{"id":22571,"date":"2026-07-29T09:35:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T09:35:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=22571"},"modified":"2026-07-29T09:35:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T09:35:19","slug":"68m-defender-performs-transfer-u-turn-after-tottenham-and-man-united-expressed-interest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=22571","title":{"rendered":"\u00a368m defender performs transfer U-turn after Tottenham and Man United expressed interest"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"\"\/ Add as preferred source on Google<\/span> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

There has been a big development over the future of Maxi Araujo after Tottenham Hotspur enquired about the Sporting Lisbon star earlier this summer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Tottenham\u2019s interest in Araujo first came to light several months ago, with the 26-year-old alleged to be exploring a new challenge following two seasons at Lisbon.<\/p>\n

\n

It had been claimed that Spurs had scouted the left-back extensively last season and they had been impressed by the Uruguayan\u2019s attributes.<\/p>\n

However, the Lilywhites have already secured the services of Andy Robertson on a free transfer, with the Scotland international set to compete with Destiny Udogie for the left-back role.<\/p>\n

\n
\"Sporting<\/div>
Photo by Gualter Fatia \/ Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tottenham target Maxi Araujo now wants to stay at Sporting Lisbon<\/h2>\n

According to a report in Record (as relayed by Sport Witness), Araujo is now set to stay at Jose Alvalade Stadium beyond this summer.<\/p>\n

The report reveals that it is not just Tottenham who expressed interest in the experienced left-back, with Man United and Chelsea also willing to offer him a route to the Premier League.<\/p>\n

The outlet reveals that Ara\u00fajo seriously considered leaving the Portuguese club to make a move to a bigger league during the World Cup.<\/p>\n

However, the 26-year-old has changed his mind and has decided that he will continue at Sporting for at least one more season.<\/p>\n

The club\u2019s signing of his compatriot, Rodrigo Zalazar, has had a part to play in his decision, serving as an \u2018extra incentive\u2019 for the full-back to commit his future to the club.<\/p>\n

Araujo could sign a new contract at Sporting<\/h2>\n

Record also says that Sporting have been working on renewing the left-back\u2019s contract for a while, with the club willing to increase his current salary from \u20ac700k (\u00a3600k) to \u20ac2m (\u00a31.7m) per year.<\/p>\n

Additionally, it is revealed that Araujo could be given the captain\u2019s armband for next season, which may have played a part in his decision to stay.<\/p>\n

The website adds that the Uruguayan international is convinced that the \u2018door will open\u2019 for him to leave Sporting again next summer.<\/p>\n