Manchester United are among the clubs to have made exploratory contact with Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo, according to Portuguese publication A Bola. The 26-year-old has a £69million release clause in his contract, which runs until 2028.
Araujo previously expressed his desire to join Manchester City, saying 'I hope so' when asked about a potential move in 2024 after Sporting's 4-1 Champions League victory over Pep Guardiola's side. The Uruguay international scored in that match and exchanged words with Guardiola.
United are expected to target a new left-back this summer, but face competition from Chelsea, Tottenham, Juventus, and Atletico Madrid, with the latter reportedly leading the race. Sporting will insist on meeting the £69m valuation.
Araujo joined Sporting during former United manager Ruben Amorim's tenure and spoke emotionally about his departure in November 2024. 'When so many players cry... it was a bit difficult,' he said. 'I loved working with him.'
This season, Araujo has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 45 appearances for Sporting. The club is set to face Torreense in the Taca de Portugal final later this month.
