Tottenham and Chelsea target Maxi Araújo
Tottenham and Chelsea target Maxi Araújo
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have been tracking Maxi Araújo closely for weeks, and the Sporting CP player continues to strengthen his case with every performance.
As we revealed with exclusivity earlier, both Premier League clubs have already made contact with the 26-year-old’s representatives. Since then, scouting activity has remained constant.
Spurs and Chelsea were among the clubs present at Alvalade to watch him against Arsenal, leaving with positive reports after another energetic display.
Araújo’s numbers this season help explain that level of attention. He has played 37 matches, starting 33 of them, contributing six goals and four assists. In the Champions League alone, he has added two goals and one assist, showing his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
At the same time, the player has already hinted at his openness to a move. While in London with Uruguay, he admitted he hopes his first experience in England will be “the first of many”, a comment that has only fuelled Premier League interest.
“Not easy to find a player like him”
Maxi Araújo’s rise is now being reinforced by those who shaped his early career.
Speaking to Portuguese outletO Jogo, former Uruguay youth coach Gustavo Ferreyra offered a strong endorsement of the Sporting player and made a clear prediction about his future.
“Honestly, it’s not a surprise for me. A player like Maxi, with his qualities, capable of playing as a full-back, as a winger, and covering the entire flank with the same determination and intensity, is not easy to find,” he said.
“Because of that, I say he will certainly reach one of the big clubs being talked about.”
Ferreyra then expanded on that versatility, explaining how it was already evident during Araújo’s early years.
“I’ve known him since he was around 17. I had him in the U18, U20 and U23 teams. The level he is showing now does not surprise me. At that time, he played as a winger at his club [Montevideo Wanderers] and as a left-back for the national team.”
“He had and still has the physical and technical conditions to perform those roles without problems. He is very versatile.”
That adaptability was key to his career progression, including his move to Mexico.
“It was because of that versatility that he was signed by Puebla. That experience did him a lot of good because it was from that moment that he gained independence, even financially, as his family was very humble.”
Personality, mentality and development
Maxi Araújo’s profile is not limited to tactical flexibility. Ferreyra also provided insight into the player’s mentality, revealing a strong and sometimes difficult character during his development.
“His nickname with us is ‘El Papo’ . It has several meanings, but we used it to describe someone with a very strong personality, very brave. Mentally, he is very strong,” he explained.
“That more temperamental style had a lot to do with the very complicated economic context he came from. He grew up quickly.”
The former coach even shared a specific moment that helped shape Araújo’s behaviour.
“He was a very temperamental player in training and we had to control that. I remember that before a major U23 international tournament, I took him to a restaurant and we had a private conversation about his temperament and how he reacted in training.”
“He was very aggressive, but he gradually controlled that. He understood what I told him and handled that aspect very well during the competition.”
That evolution is now reflected in his playing style.
“He has no fear, he faces opponents, he fights. He has great power to cover the entire flank,” Ferreyra added.
Next steps for the summer
Maximiliano Araújo’s trajectory now looks increasingly aligned with the expectations set earlier in his career.
Tottenham and Chelsea remain among the most active suitors, having already made contact and continued their scouting work. Other European clubs are also watching closely.
Sporting, however, are determined to keep him and hold a strong position with a contract until 2029 and an €80m (£69m) release clause. At the same time, there is an understanding that offers above €40m (£34.5m) could test that stance.
With a World Cup approaching and his profile rising, momentum is building towards a significant move.
From early promise in Uruguay to standout performances in the Champions League, Araújo is now approaching the level that those closest to him always expected.