Manchester United have now entered the race for Maxi Araújo, with the Sporting CP defender attracting growing attention from across the Premier League.
The Old Trafford side are the latest club to emerge as a contender for the 26-year-old, adding another layer to an already competitive situation.
As we exclusively covered earlier, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have both made contact for Araújo. Their interest has been active for weeks, following close monitoring of his performances in Portugal and Europe.
Form and numbers driving interest
Maxi Araújo’s rise this season helps explain why more clubs are joining the race.
He has played 35 matches in all competitions, starting 32 of them. The Uruguay international has contributed six goals and four assists, impressive numbers for a player operating mainly as a left-back.
In the Champions League, he has added two goals and one assist. Those performances have increased his visibility and placed him firmly on the radar of top European clubs.
Araújo has also contributed to the narrative himself. While in London with Uruguay national team, he spoke openly about the prospect of playing in England, and said he hopes this time will be “the first of many”.
That comment has only added to the sense that a Premier League move is part of his plans.
Manchester United now in the picture
Maxi Araújo is now being linked with Manchester United for the first time in this process.
A new report from A Bola in Portugal indicates that United are among the clubs analysing the Sporting player, alongside Chelsea and Tottenham. His Champions League performances have been particularly influential in that regard.
This development expands the competitive landscape. United’s involvement could shift the dynamics, especially if they decide to move quickly in the market.
Sporting stance and financial framework
Maxi Araujo
Sporting, however, are not making things easy. The Portuguese club have decided they want to keep Araújo for at least one more season. He is not currently viewed as a player they are actively looking to sell this summer.
Araújo is under contract until 2029 and has an €80m (£69m) release clause. Internally, Sporting are believed to only consider offers starting around €40m (£34.5m).
That gives them a strong position in negotiations, even with increasing interest.
What happens next
Maxi Araújo’s situation now depends on how far clubs are willing to go.
Manchester United’s arrival adds weight to the race, while Tottenham and Chelsea remain firmly involved. The player’s form and versatility continue to drive attention.
Sporting’s stance suggests resistance, but the market may yet dictate the outcome. With the World Cup approaching and his profile rising, this could be the right moment for a sale.
For now, the expectation is that Sporting will try to maximise value. A move this summer looks possible if one of the interested clubs decides to push decisively.
🇮🇹 Pierre Kalulu | Manchester United and Liverpool send scouts for new France international
➡️ Versatile defender – Italian media really pushing transfer chance, so Juventus likely open to salehttps://t.co/lfQQEbBvE5 #mufc #lfc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 26, 2026