According to a report by French outlet Foot Mercato, Tomas Araujo has garnered a market in the Premier League heading into the summer transfer window. Chelsea and Liverpool are keen on signing the SL Benfica centre-back, with the Portuguese defender’s contract with the Primeira Liga outfit having a release clause of €80 million.
Tomas Araujo is the latest highly-rated defender to rise in prominence in Portugal. A native of Famalicao, the youngster spent his formative years with four clubs and graduated from the youth division at SL Benfica. However, he was a late bloomer and did not establish a foothold in the first-team squad until the 2024/25 season.
The 23-year-old has become a mainstay at the back for Benfica this season, with his exploits helping him break into his national squad. Araujo has turned out nearly 50 times thus far for SL Benfica in the 2024/25 season while chipping in with one goal and three assists.
Meanwhile, Araujo’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are keen on signing the Portuguese international, with Chelsea and Liverpool among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the summer transfer window. The two clubs also pursued him for a winter move.
Tomas Araujo has been on Chelsea’s radar for a long time. The continued interest makes sense, considering Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, and Trevoh Chalobah face an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge. In addition, Wesley Fofana has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with Chelsea.
As for Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk is on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the twilight of his career. In addition, Joe Gomez has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with the Merseyside outfit. So, Araujo is an option worth considering for Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Araujo has a release clause worth €80 million in his contract with SL Benfica. However, it is unclear if the Primeira Liga giants want that much to part ways with the 23-year-old Portuguese international in the summer transfer window.
