Newcastle United continues to assess younger center-backs as part of its long-term recruitment planning, with Matthias Jaissle’s squad expected to add defenders to the roster over the next several transfer windows.
According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle watched Benfica defender Tomas Araujo last month as Premier League interest in the Portugal international continues to grow.
“Chelsea and Manchester United are increasingly keen on a move for Tomas Araujo after making multiple checks on the
Benfica defender and having witnessed him produce a standout display against AC Milan last month, TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal,” Bailey wrote. “Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion were also understood to have watched Araujo last month, highlighting the level of Premier League interest surrounding the Benfica star.”
Araujo has developed into an important player for Benfica after progressing through the club’s academy and can operate at both center-back and right-back, is comfortable in possession, and comes with an already-great passing range.
One Premier League scout told TEAMtalk that Araujo has a “higher ceiling,” reflecting the belief among interested clubs that further development remains possible despite his existing experience.
Newcastle was among the clubs understood to have watched Araujo last month, while Chelsea and Manchester United were specifically in attendance for Benfica’s Champions League meeting with AC Milan. Araujo produced a man-of-the-match performance in that fixture.
A January move, however, currently appears unlikely. Araujo signed a new four-and-a-half-year Benfica contract last month containing an €80 million (£68 million) release clause. Bailey reported that Benfica has no intention of considering a midseason offer below that figure.
The Portuguese giants are under no immediate pressure to sell given Araujo’s contract situation, and the player also remains an important part of new head coach Marco Silva’s plans for now.
Would you consider Araujo at around £68 million, or should Newcastle pursue a younger and cheaper center-back? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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