Latest news with #TomasAraujo
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Considering Move to Sign £43m Bayern Munich Star
Liverpool Watching Closely as Kim Min-jae Awaits Formal Interest Liverpool's transfer focus remains fluid as developments from Germany reveal a cooling market around one of their rumoured targets. According to Christian Falk via The Daily Briefing, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae is still waiting for any concrete approaches this summer, despite being linked with both Liverpool and Manchester United. Advertisement 'Kim Min-jae currently has no offers. Should a sale be possible, FC Bayern has a replacement on the list: Tomas Araujo from Benfica,' Falk reported. Signed for £43 million in 2023 after a stellar Scudetto-winning campaign at Napoli, Kim's switch to Bavaria has yet to deliver the same dominance. Despite being a physically commanding and technically adept centre-back, his role under changing Bayern systems has left question marks about his long-term future in Munich. For Liverpool, his name continues to appear on scouting dossiers, but there appears to be little movement at this stage. Photo: IMAGO Quansah, Gomez and Konate Create Transfer Uncertainty Much of Liverpool's transfer business in defence hinges on internal clarity. Jarell Quansah, after an impressive breakout campaign, is nearing a £35m move to Bayer Leverkusen. At the same time, Joe Gomez is said to be exploring his next career step following a Premier League-winning season under Arne Slot. Advertisement Ibrahima Konate also presents an unresolved scenario. Entering the final year of his current deal, the French international is believed to be requesting a 40 percent wage increase. Whether Liverpool meet those terms or allow him to leave could define whether a new centre-back arrives at all. 'A move for the 27-year-old may hinge on what unfolds with our own centre-back group,' the original report noted. Should Quansah depart and Gomez seek a new challenge, there's scope for a major defensive addition. Until then, Liverpool may delay pulling the trigger. Photo: IMAGO Bayern's Successor Shortlist Suggests Openness to a Sale Bayern Munich's stance also offers subtle encouragement to interested parties. Their interest in Tomas Araujo of Benfica, named as a potential successor to Kim, implies openness to a transfer — provided the right offer lands. Advertisement At 27, Kim Min-jae remains in his physical prime. With his aerial presence, positional awareness and elite experience across Italy, Germany and Asia, he matches the kind of pedigree Liverpool may seek in a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk, who has committed to the club amid transition. 'Still, the fact Bayern are already lining up Tomas Araujo as a potential successor suggests a deal is on the table—if any suitor steps forward.' Bundesliga Connections Strengthen Transfer Web Liverpool's activity in the Bundesliga this window adds weight to the speculation. Deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz have already signalled serious investment in German-based talent. The latter's arrival broke both Liverpool's and the Premier League's transfer records. Advertisement Adding Kim to this list would fit the new trend, but as of now, no offer has been placed. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis This is the kind of story that will set tongues wagging across the fanbase. Kim Min-jae is no average link. His profile screams elite-level pedigree, and while his time at Bayern has not mirrored his Napoli form, there's no doubt he would raise the floor and ceiling of Liverpool's defensive depth. Arne Slot is not expected to rotate heavily at the back unless the system demands it, but in a season where Liverpool will again compete across four fronts, having an experienced, composed and physically dominant centre-back makes complete sense. Advertisement That said, fans may feel slightly uneasy at the idea of losing Quansah, Gomez or even Konate to enable such a move. Quansah, in particular, has been embraced as a homegrown success. But football moves fast and hard decisions are often required. If the club senses that Kim's value is deflating in a seller's market and Bayern are lining up replacements already, it could be a classic Liverpool play to act when others hesitate. For now, it's a waiting game. But this one might not stay quiet for long.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool want to sign €80m Portugal star
Liverpool have got Tomas Araujo on the list Joe Gomez could also depart with the club having fielded offers for the England international last year. If the right money is put up, then the 28-year-old will also be on his way. Advertisement The Reds missed out on Dean Huijsen in the mini-transfer window ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup. The Spaniard opted for a move to Real Madrid instead, with Liverpool having to look down their list of alternatives. One of the names on that list - as initially revealed by Anfieldwatch - is Tomas Araujo. The 23-year-old Portuguese defender is a homegrown talent from Benfica - and recently made the breakthrough into the national team reckoning too. Last season the 6'2 stopper played mostly at right-back owing to an injury to Alexander Bah - showcasing a versatility that would surely be appreciated by Arne Slot. © IMAGO Araujo under consideration by Liverpool Nonetheless, Araujo is seen primarily as a centre-back - and A Bola has now also confirmed he is on the shopping list for plenty of top clubs this summer - Liverpool included. Advertisement In an item discussing Chelsea's interest in the player, the Blues were described as 'a threat'. Paris Saint-Germain - meanwhile - are also thought to be keen having established the Parc des Princes as a haven for Portugal's best young talents. 'Tomás Araújo's performance last season only confirmed the positive indications that the scouting departments of the best clubs have long had of him,' a report in O Jogo reads. 'Liverpool, for example, want to sign a central defender, lost Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid - a €60 million transfer from Bournemouth - and, according to the English press, Tomás Araújo is one of the players being considered for the position.' Araujo is under contract until 2029 with Benfica - and is believed to boast an €80m release clause in his contract. Currently out injured with a hernia, Araujo is expected back after the FIFA Club World Cup in time for the start of next season.
Metro
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Chelsea and Liverpool in transfer fight to sign £67m 'maestro' this summer
Chelsea and Liverpool have joined the race to sign Benfica defender Tomas Araujo after missing out on Dean Huijsen, according to reports. The Blues and the Reds were unable to land Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth with the Spain international joining Real Madrid instead. Chelsea and Liverpool are already turning their attentions towards alternative options and are now in a three-way fight to recruit Araujo. The 23-year-old is wanted by both English clubs as well as French champions Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the summer transfer window, Foot Mercato have reported. Araujo, who earned his first international cap for Portugal last year, is believed to have a €80m (£67m) release clause in his Benfica contract. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. He has been dubbed a 'technical maestro' and an 'elite player' by football scouts on X, who have highlighted Araujo's turns, dribbling, passing, speed, build-up impact and ability to win duels as some of his biggest strengths. Araujo came through Benfica's academy and has established himself as a important star, playing a total of 67 first-team games for the club to date. Araujo helped Benfica land the Taça da Liga (Portuguese League Cup) this season and could now be heading to a bigger European team this summer. He also shined in the academy before his breakthrough, winning the 2022 UEFA Youth League and being named in the Team of the Tournament. PSG appear to be the frontrunners to land Araujo at this moment in time having initiated talks to sign him last summer. The Ligue 1 didn't end up completing a deal for Araujo but he is still high up on their wishlist for the upcoming summer window. Liverpool and Chelsea are yet to make an offer to sign Araujo but they are thought to be watching his situation closely ahead of a possible swoop. Chelsea are also looking at other defensive options if they miss out on Araujo to either Liverpool or PSG. It was reported last month that the Blues have looked at Ajax's 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato. More Trending Hato, who can play as a centre-back or left-back, has established himself as an important player for Ajax since progressing through their academy. It has been suggested that Ajax would demand at least £40m for the Netherlands international. Chelsea have also been keeping tabs on Premier League stars Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite, who play for Crystal Palace and Everton. Guehi, 24, has impressed in the centre of Palace's defence and Chelsea know the player well given he came through the Blues' academy. MORE: Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool given major hope in transfer race for Borussia Dortmund star MORE: What Trent Alexander-Arnold has said about celebrating against his former club MORE: Jurgen Klopp responds to speculation over shock managerial return at Roma
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Richard Hughes you GENIUS: Tomas Araujo is perfect for Liverpool
Liverpool are looking into a deal for Benfica's Tomas Araujo. It's exactly what they need. Anfield Watch understands that Liverpool are strongly considering a move for Benfica defender Tomas Araujo. Araujo would be available for £67m (his release clause) should the Reds ultimately decide to push forward. Advertisement But it's a complicated situation. For one, Liverpool aren't even aware of how much they need a new centre-back. It largely hinges on Ibrahima Konate, who enters the final year of his contract this summer. Talks with the Frenchman have stalled and if a new deal isn't signed, Liverpool are inclined to sell while they still can. Their first choice to replace Konate would be Dean Huijsen and it appeared they stood a wonderful chance of snapping him up. Real Madrid, however, have decided to repeat their favourite story of the summer and move into pole position for a major Liverpool transfer target. It now appears Huijsen is off there, leaving the Reds searching for an alternative. Araujo is exactly that, then - not the first-choice option by any means but a really solid one. Advertisement In fact, we think he's perfect. Tomas Araujo at Liverpool It's incredibly easy to see why Liverpool would be interested in Araujo. First and foremost, he's an incredibly versatile defender. Primarily a centre-back, Araujo has started just shy of 20 fixtures at right-back this season. That includes on fixture as a right-wingback - a game in which he actually scored (albeit from a set-piece). But that's exactly the kind of versatility that we know Liverpool want. Arne Slot has been 'forced' to use both Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah at right-back this season - having a more natural option there would be a fantastic boost to the squad. Advertisement So couple that with Araujo being just 22 and you've got a really solid signing that improves the squad. There's long-term potential as well as the versatility. Suddenly the asking price doesn't seem so daunting. And Araujo is someone who fits the bill in other ways. He makes plenty of recoveries (among the most in Portugal) as well as tackles - though, his stats are slightly difficult to judge given he plays two different roles so consistently. But what we can say for sure is that Araujo is a defender who's incredibly comfortable on the ball and happy to move into different roles. Doing that at 22 is rare but also exactly what Liverpool are after. Advertisement Young players typically don't excel in two very different roles. Experience brings comfort on the pitch and it's only then that they move into new surroundings and perform well. Araujo has no trouble being asked to do different things from game to game, though. It's a sign that not only could he boost the squad but he could find adapting to life in a new team easier than most. We'll admit that Araujo isn't the dream successor to Ibrahima Konate but with both Quansah and Gomez linked with exits, he's essentially a perfect addition. One who could grow into a fine defender while covering two positions to a high standard. We're on board.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Portuguese title on the line as Benfica host rivals Sporting
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Primeira Liga - Sporting CP v Benfica - Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal - December 29, 2024 Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres in action with Benfica's Tomas Araujo REUTERS/Rodrigo Antunes/File Photo (Reuters) - Sporting and Benfica lock horns in a Lisbon derby on Saturday that could decide the Portuguese league title with a game left in one of the closest races the country has seen in years. The Portuguese capital rivals both have 78 points, with Sporting top by virtue of winning the first clash between the teams 1-0 at the Jose Alvalade stadium back in December. If Sporting win on Saturday they will be champions, while if Benfica triumph by at least a two-goal margin they will reclaim the title with a superior head-to-head record. A one-goal victory for Benfica would mean the title being decided next weekend when goal difference could come into play, with Sporting currently three goals better off than Benfica. If the match is drawn, Sporting will retain the title by at least matching their rival's result on the final matchday. With third-placed Porto long out of the title race, trailing 13 points behind the top two and level on 65 points with Braga, the Lisbon rivalry between Benfica and Sporting has dominated the campaign and not only in the league. Benfica beat Sporting on penalties in the League Cup final in January and they will meet again at the iconic Jamor National Stadium in the Portuguese Cup final on May 25. It will be a clash of two coaches who took charge of struggling sides in mid-season and got them back on track. Rui Borges in late December replaced Joao Pereira, who lasted only 42 days after he was named Sporting manager following Ruben Amorim's move to Manchester United. Amorin left Sporting in comfortable position at the top but a series of bad results forced the club to make a quick change and hire the 43-year-old Borges from Vitoria Guimaraes. Sporting were already feeling the heat from Bruno Lage's Benfica, who was hired in September for a second tenure after Roger Schmidt was fired only four matchdays into the season. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Ken Ferris)
