Manchester United and Chelsea track Benfica defender Tomas Araujo

Manchester United and Chelsea are continuing to scout Tomás Araújo as both clubs assess the Benfica defender, according to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey. A January transfer is considered unlikely, with summer 2027 a more realistic opportunity.

Representatives from both clubs watched the Portugal international against AC Milan in September. Tottenham, Newcastle and Brighton also checked on him last month, adding to the Premier League interest in a defender capable of playing centrally or at right-back.

Bailey reports that Araújo’s contract contains an €80 million release clause and that Benfica would reject a midseason offer below that figure.

Benfica confirmed a contract extension through 2031 on September 2. The agreement leaves the Portuguese club with considerable control over the 24-year-old’s future, allowing it to plan around him while interested teams assess their options.

Araújo has been at Benfica since the 2016/17 season and captained the side that won the UEFA Youth League in 2022. He played every minute of that successful European campaign, an early indication of the responsibility he was given within the academy.

His first-team debut came in December 2021, when he completed a 3-0 League Cup win over Sporting Covilhã. A loan at Gil Vicente then brought 26 appearances during the 2022/23 season before he returned to Lisbon. He made 20 first-team appearances in 2023/24, his first season back at Benfica following that loan.

By the time Benfica announced his latest renewal, Araújo had made 113 senior appearances and become one of the team’s captains. His 44 first-team outings in 2024/25 were followed by 38 the next season, establishing a substantial record beyond his academy achievements.

His ability to cover two defensive positions gives his suitors flexibility, although Benfica’s reported stance leaves little room for a discounted winter deal.

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