Mourinho wants Real Madrid to swoop in for Portuguese defender with €80 million release clause | OneFootball

Real Madrid seem keen to revamp their defence, with Jose Mourinho placing a lot of emphasis on getting this aspect right on his return to the Spanish capital.

After already strengthening the back line with the signings of Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries, Madrid are still looking at the market for another centre-back.

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Mourinho wants Real Madrid to sign Tomas Araujo, the 24-year-old Portugal defender with whom he worked last season at Benfica.

For now, the manager has placed Araujo’s name on the table as Real Madrid assess options to complete the defence. However, Los Blancos have not made a formal move.

Araujo may be admired by the coach, but Real Madrid want to ensure they analyse all their options before making a move.

Mourinho knows the player well

Tomas Araujo is on Mourinho’s radar. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Araujo’s appeal is easy to understand from Mourinho’s perspective. He knows the defender personally, understands his character and has already seen how he responds to tactical demands.

In many ways, the Portugal international enjoyed a breakthrough campaign and showed exactly what Mourinho values.

Real Madrid are not simply looking for another body in defence. They need a player capable of competing immediately while fitting into a squad that is being reshaped for a new cycle.

Araujo, at 24, is at an interesting age: experienced enough to contribute, but still young enough to grow inside a demanding environment like the Santiago Bernabeu.

Price and competition complicate the deal

Araujo has an €80 million release clause (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

The problem is the cost. Benfica would point to Araujo’s €80 million release clause, making any deal far from simple.

Bayern Munich are also said to be interested, which could further complicate Real Madrid’s route. That said, Mourinho may play a key role in convincing him to choose the Spanish club.

Real Madrid should be careful not to overpay unless they are completely convinced that he is the long-term solution.

The club have been guilty of making such moves in the past without thinking them through. Yes, Mourinho’s preference matters, but it cannot be the final word.

For now, Araujo is a name to watch, and it remains to be seen whether the transfer saga develops.