Tomás Araújo: Benfica firm amid Real Madrid interest | OneFootball

Benfica intend to keep Tomás Araújo despite Real Madrid’s interest, according to Glorioso 1904.

The Spanish club are monitoring the defender, but Rui Costa does not want to lose him. He is viewed as a key figure for the present and future.

Former Benfica coach José Mourinho admires the centre-back’s qualities.

Benfica are light in central defence after the departures of Nicolás Otamendi and Gonçalo Oliveira, and with Joshua Wynder still inexperienced. Rui Costa and Marco Silva want to strengthen the defence rather than leave it further depleted.

Aged 24, Araújo is currently in the United States with Portugal at the World Cup. The tournament could help cement his status at the club and beyond.

Last season, Araújo, valued at 30 million euros, made 39 appearances for Benfica. That comprised 23 in Liga Portugal Betclic, nine in the Champions League, four in the Taça de Portugal, two in the Taça da Liga and one in Liga Portugal Meu Super. Across 2,795 minutes he recorded one goal and two assists.

Source: Glorioso 1904