Maxi Araujo: Tempting fee set for Man United defensive target | OneFootball

A left-back signing is emerging as a key transfer move that Manchester United intend to make this summer.

There is talk of Patrick Dorgu being used more as a left winger going forward, which is a shift that leaves United needing to add another left-back.

A number of options have been linked with a move to M16, among them Lewis Hall, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Maxi Araujo.

However, by shifting focus to the latest reports from Portugal, Araujo emerges as the primary subject of this transfer update.

The Peoples Person recently relayed reports that United were set to rival Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Sporting CP star. The update highlighted an €80 million (£69m) release clause. However, what was less clear was the true cost of prising the South American out of Lisbon.

Araujo boost from Portugal

Building on that, A Bola has now provided new insight into what a deal for the Uruguayan international could realistically cost.

The Portuguese outlet says the Primeira Liga champions wants Araujo to stay another year. Still, expecting suitors to push hard, they have a figure in mind:

“Rui Borges is counting on Maxi for next season, and so is Sporting’s board, knowing, however, that no Portuguese club can resist offers that are considered irresistible, even in the Uruguayan’s case, always in the order of 40 million euros.”

A tempting transfer proposition

Landing the 26-year-old at half his release clause, that is, €40 million (£34.5m), rather than the full release clause, should certainly encourage his suitors to act.

Capable of operating as a left-back, wing-back, or winger, Araujo truly embodies a manager’s dream. Moreover, his pace and technical ability allow him to excel when overlapping, dribbling, and delivering crosses. As a result, he consistently fashions attacking opportunities from wide areas, ensuring his side remains a threat throughout.

Having started 32 of Sporting’s 35 games this season, he has contributed six goals and four assists, which is impressive.

With United looking to inject some spark down their left-hand side, Manuel Ugarte’s compatriot looks like a player who could do precisely that.

Ultimately, his arrival and a left-winger signing could see Ineos sort United’s left-hand side and make it every bit as dangerous as the right.

Featured image Carlos Rodrigues via Getty Images

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The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social