World Cup ace makes decision on future – Manchester United and Chelsea left waiting
Manchester United and Chelsea remain interested in Sporting wing-back Maxi Araújo. However, the Portuguese club are growing increasingly confident they can keep hold of the Uruguay international this summer.
To Ball reports Maxi returned to Portugal on Thursday. He will join Sporting’s training camp on Friday after his extended break following the World Cup.
Despite continued Premier League interest, the 26-year-old is said to be fully focused on the Lions. The story says he is determined to build on the best season of his career.
Chelsea and United continue to monitor the left-sided player. However, the newspaper states their contacts have remained exploratory, with neither club progressing towards formal negotiations.
Sporting have renewal plan ready
The Portuguese newspaper explains the club will only consider discussing a sale if they receive an offer very close to Maxi Araújo’s €80m (£69.3m) release clause.
So looks like Sporting are in a stronger position than previous reports. Earlier reports suggested they could eventually negotiate for a lower fee.
The Lisbon side are also preparing a significant reward if the winger stays beyond the end of the transfer window.
According to A Bola, Sporting are just days from offering Maxi Araújo an improved contract that would move him close to the club’s highest earners. They also plan to give him greater responsibility within the dressing room as one of the squad’s leaders.
Player and club aligned
One of the biggest developments from Portugal is that Sporting’s confidence is not based solely on their own determination to resist offers.
A Bola reports Maxi Araújo himself has returned convinced he should remain in Lisbon. His focus is firmly on Sporting rather than a summer move abroad.
After registering career-best figures of seven goals and five assists in 47 appearances last season, he is reportedly determined to improve on those numbers in 2026-27.
Sporting are still preparing for every scenario. They have already identified potential alternatives should an irresistible offer eventually arrive before the end of August.
For now, though, both the club and the player appear aligned on extending their partnership for at least another season, leaving Manchester United and Chelsea watching from a distance as the situation develops.
