Benfica respond to Newcastle United interest in £84m star Tomas Araujo, their stance is clear

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Benfica’s Tomas Araujo is one of many defenders who have been linked with a move to Newcastle United.

It was no secret that Newcastle United wanted to sign a top-class centre-back over the summer but were left emptyhanded when the window slammed shut.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell failed to sign Marc Guehi despite a lengthy transfer saga which saw Newcastle bid £65m for the Crystal Palace star.

Newcastle retain an interest in Guehi heading into the January transfer window, but the Magpies have also got several other options on their radar.

One of which is Benfica’s Tomas Araujo, who has been attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs.

Newcastle United interest in Tomas Araujo

Araujo would be a fantastic signing for Newcastle with the 22-year-old defender ticking two boxes for Eddie Howe.

He is more than capable of handling the physicality of the Premier League and is also very versatile having played at centre-back and right-back this season.

There is a €100m release clause in Araujo’s contract at Benfica, which is set to last until 2028.

It has been reported that Chelsea and Crystal Palace are also showing an interest in a move for Araujo and have made approaches, but Newcastle were leading the race.

Reports from Portugal have now revealed Benfica’s stance on selling Araujo in 2025.

How Benfica feel about selling Tomas Araujo to Newcastle

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Benfica would need an “irrefutable” offer in January to allow Arauajo to leave.

He is considered a key player at Benfica having made 12 appearances already this season and they would ideally like to keep him until the summer.

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Benfica are confident that Newcastle are “not able or willing to pay” the amount needed to sign Araujo in January, meaning a deal in the summer is more likely.

There have been mixed reports about Newcastle’s January budget, but it seems unlikely that we will see a big-money move sanctioned for Araujo if Benfica are keen to keep hold of him.