Manchester United and Manchester City are now stepping into the race for Maxi Araújo, but the story has been building for some time.
The Sporting CP player has been one of the standout performers among Portuguese clubs in this season’s Champions League. Even with Sporting’s exit at the quarter-final stage, his numbers and impact have kept him firmly in the spotlight.
According to data, Araújo has registered 43 tackles in the competition – the highest total in this year’s Champions League. He also ranks among the leaders for duels won, with 77, placing him just behind names like Lamine Yamal and Giuliano Simeone.
Those figures help explain why Premier League interest first emerged. As we’ve reported, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea were early movers, making contact with the player’s representatives and sending scouts to watch him both in Lisbon and internationally.
Now, the situation is evolving.
Manchester clubs move into position
Maxi Araújo is now attracting serious attention from both Manchester United and Manchester City.
According to A Bola, the two Manchester clubs are currently leading the English interest and are actively assessing what it would take to sign him this summer.
We have coveredan initial approach from Manchester United about a month ago, but Manchester City’s presence adds some spice to the conversation.
What started with monitoring and initial contact from Tottenham and Chelsea is now moving into a phase where bigger financial players are preparing potential moves.
Performances driving demand
Maxi Araújo’s broader season adds to that Champions League impact.
He has played 37 matches in all competitions, starting 33, with six goals and four assists. In Europe, he contributed two goals and one assist, often delivering in high-intensity matches. He was Sporting’s standout performer in their quarter-final match against Arsenal at the Emirates.
At the same time, his tactical profile remains a major draw. He has played mainly as a left-back this season, but his ability to operate as a wing-back or winger gives clubs multiple options.
That versatility, combined with his defensive output, makes him a strong fit for teams that rely on dynamic wide players.
Sporting stance and market reality
Maxi Araujo
Sporting are not actively looking to sell. In fact, they are trying to give him a salary bump in order to stay a little longer. But they understand the pressure. They also recognise that strong offers can change the situation quickly.
He is under contract until 2029 and has an €80m (£69m) release clause. However, reports suggest Sporting would consider offers in the €40m-€50m (£34.5m-£43m) range.
That creates an attainable – and welcoming – entry point for clubs like Manchester United and Manchester City.
What happens next
Maxi Araújo is now at the centre of a growing transfer battle. Manchester United and Manchester City’s involvement raises the stakes, while Tottenham and Chelsea remain part of the picture after their early moves.
With strong performances, elite-level data and increasing demand, the next step will depend on which club decides to act first.
Sporting may want to hold on, but the market is starting to move around them.