Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea’s pursuit of Maxi Araújo is now being met with a more proactive response from Sporting CP, as the Portuguese club move to protect one of their most in-demand players.
We’ve already reported with exclusivity that both clubs made contact with the 26-year-old’s representatives. Since then, they’ve kept a close eye on him, with scouts showing up in Lisbon and even at Wembley when he was with Uruguay.
On the pitch, Araújo keeps giving them reasons. He’s played 37 matches this season, starting 33, with six goals and four assists. In the Champions League, he’s added two goals and one assist, which has only pushed his name further into the conversation.
His versatility is a big part of it. He’s been a left-back for Sporting this season, but he can play higher up the pitch and cover the whole flank without dropping intensity.
Attempt to get ahead of the situation
Maximiliano Araújo’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed inside Sporting. According to Record, the club have already started working on a renewal, even though his current deal runs until 2029.
The idea is simple – improve his salary and try to lock him in for at least one more season.
That says a lot about how they see the situation. This isn’t just about rejecting offers anymore. It’s about trying to stay one step ahead before things get out of control in the summer.
That’s because Araújo is now firmly on the radar across Europe. Tottenham and Chelsea remain among the most involved, but they’re not alone.
Juventus, AC Milan and Atlético Madrid have also been tracking him, and several clubs were present when he faced England at Wembley in one of Uruguay’s lastest international friendlies.
Sporting know what’s coming
Maximiliano Araújo is not an easy player to find, and also to keep in this kind of market. Sporting want him to stay, that part is clear. But they also know how this works. If the right offer arrives, things can change quickly.
He has an €80m (£69m) release clause, which gives the club some protection. At the same time, there’s a feeling that offers above €40m (£34.5m) would at least open the door to discussions.
Now Sporting are trying to secure him early. Tottenham and Chelsea are already in position. And other clubs are watching and waiting.
The next move will likely come from the market. And when it does, Sporting will have to decide how strong their stance really is.