Sporting CP star Maxi Araujo has previously voiced his ambition to join one of Manchester United's rivals. The 26-year-old has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford ahead of the summer transfer window.
Araujo's rise at Sporting
Araujo has thrived since arriving at the Portuguese club two years ago. The left-back, who can also play numerous other roles, has scored 11 goals and provided 13 assists in 91 outings. His contributions have reportedly sparked interest from multiple clubs, including United.
Portuguese publication A Bola claims that United are among the teams to have made exploratory contact with Araujo's representatives regarding a potential transfer. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also feature alongside Juventus and Atletico Madrid on the list of suitors, with the latter reported to be frontrunners for his services.
Previous City admiration
However, Araujo previously revealed his desire to join United's rivals Manchester City in 2024. The full-back's remarks came shortly after Sporting had beaten Pep Guardiola's side 4-1 in the Champions League. Araujo found the net, alongside Viktor Gyokeres' hat-trick, and exchanged a few words with the City manager following the match.
When questioned about the prospect of joining Guardiola's team in future, Araujo told reporters: I hope so, I hope so... I asked him for a photo, we talked for a few minutes and he congratulated me. I'm very happy about that. We talked about the game, nothing more.
Costly summer target
United are expected to pursue a new left-back during the transfer window. Setting aside the Uruguay international's admiration of Guardiola, Araujo could be an expensive summer signing. He has three years left on his Sporting contract, which features a £69 million release clause.
A Bola reports that Atletico have earmarked the versatile star as a priority, while Sporting will insist that interested parties meet the £69m valuation. Araujo arrived at Sporting during former United manager Ruben Amorim's final months in Lisbon.
Emotional Amorim departure
The left-back found the net in the coach's last home match against City and revealed the emotional toll that Amorim's exit in November 2024 took on the Sporting dressing room. When so many players cry... I have no doubt that many players felt a lot of affection for him,
he told A Bola last year. And, yes, it was a bit difficult. As I say... it was normal, understandable, given all the affection the players felt for him.
Regarding his personal bond with Amorim, Araujo added: For me too, because at all times, in the short time I worked with him, it was incredible, I had an incredible vibe with him. He was always in a good mood. He's a great coach and I loved working with him.
Current season stats
Araujo has featured in 45 matches for Sporting this season, netting seven goals and laying on five assists. Sporting have missed out on the Primeira Liga title to Porto but are aiming to retain the Taca de Portugal, with the club set to face Torreense in the final later this month.
