Tomás Araújo agent ‘to meet’ Benfica over future as new deal discussed | OneFootball

Benfica have begun the process of extending Tomás Araújo’s contract, with agent Ali Barat expected in Lisbon this week to meet the hierarchy about a new deal for the 24-year-old centre-back.

The Iranian representative is also expected at Estádio da Luz on Thursday for the Europa League third qualifying round first leg against Hearts, Record reports.

Although Araújo is under contract until 2029, Benfica want to extend his stay and significantly improve his salary to reflect his progress. Rui Costa’s leadership views him as even more important after António Silva’s move to Bournemouth.

The defender last renewed in 2024, before attaining his current standing. After two seasons of growth, he is preparing to take a starting role at centre-back and become a key figure in Marco Silva’s dressing room. The club want to move early, despite no urgency, to avoid a repeat of the Andreas Schjelderup situation.

The Norwegian winger, contracted to 2028, has yet to respond to the renewal offer despite his strong rise in recent seasons. While Benfica continue to look for another centre-back to cover António Silva’s exit, the expectation at Luz is that Araújo will partner Clément Lenglet in 2026/27.

Source: Glorioso 1904

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