Why Newcastle must sign Tomas Araujo in 2025, £84m target ticks two boxes for Eddie Howe

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Tomas Araujo is the latest centre-back being linked with a move to Newcastle United.

Despite their best efforts, Newcastle failed to land a top centre-back over the summer transfer window.

Following the arrival of Paul Mitchell as sporting director, it was an open secret that Newcastle wanted to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. However, they were left empty-handed when the window slammed shut.

With Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman still returning from injury, and a fresh injury to defender Emil Krafth, reinforcing Eddie Howe’s back line is still a top priority in 2025.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey recently confirmed to Geordie Boot Boys that Newcastle still want to sign a right-sided centre-back in 2025.

Reports suggest Newcastle have now set their sights on Benfica’s Tomas Araujo.

READ MORE: Newcastle have a new centre-back on their radar after scouting Nottingham Forest flop

Newcastle United linked with 2025 move for Tomas Araujo

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Newcastle have joined the race to sign 22-year-old centre-back Araujo.

The report claims that Premier League rivals Chelsea and Crystal Palace have already made approaches for the Portuguese defender, but Newcastle are now firmly in the race.

Araujo has become a key player at Benfica with 12 starts for the Portuguese giants already this season – including in the recent 4-1 demolition of Porto on Sunday evening.

Araujo reportedly has a release clause of €100m (£84m) in his Benfica contract.

Why Tomas Araujo is a perfect fit for Newcastle

Even with Botman and Lascelles returning to fitness in the next few weeks, Newcastle will still need to invest in a new centre-back in 2025 after missing out on Guehi.

There are plenty of reasons why Araujo is the perfect signing.

Standing at 6ft 1in, Araujo is more than capable of handling the physicality of the Premier League. He was described as an “elite” talent by a performance analyst.

At 22 years old he is already one of the most exciting young defenders in Europe. Newcastle have been linked with Antonio Silva, but Silva has lost his spot as a starter to Araujo due to his incredible form this season.

In his 12 appearances this season, Araujo has kept six clean sheets and only conceded nine goals. His form earned him his very first call-up to the Portugal national squad in October.

But perhaps the biggest reason why Araujo is the perfect signing for Newcastle is his versatility. Araujo is capable of playing at both centre-back and right-back – two areas where Howe will be keen to strengthen.

Araujo has played twice at right-back this season in 3-0 and 5-1 victories which means he could replace Kieran Trippier given the English defender is still pushing to leave Newcastle in 2025. Tino Livramento will remain Newcastle’s first-choice right-back but Araujo would provide quality depth for two positions.