Benfica star arouses interest: Bayern have their eye on defensive all-rounder | OneFootball

FC Bayern’s squad planning for the coming season is already in full swing and now a new defensive player is apparently moving into the Munich club’s sights: Tomas Araujo from Benfica Lisbon

As reported by tz, Bayern have already held talks with Tomas Araujo’s entourage to sound out the possibilities of a transfer

The 23-year-old is considered to be extremely versatile and can be deployed in central defense as well as at right-back. It is precisely this profile that currently seems to be in high demand at Säbener Straße

Araujo could therefore also be developed as competition or an alternative to Konrad Laimer, whose contract extension has still not been finalized

Givairo Read, a similar type of player, has recently been linked with Bayern

However, the price is likely to be a problem. Araujo only extended his long-term contract with Benfica Lisbon until 2029 at the end of 2024. In addition, his contract is said to contain a huge release clause of between 80 and 100 million euros, depending on reports

A sum that seems difficult even for Bayern to afford – especially in light of the fact that Munich are apparently prioritizing their offensive in the summer

photo: Getty Images

Ito’s future also apparently open

According to kicker, Bayern bosses are currently focusing primarily on a versatile attacking player for the left flank and up front, which is why the rumours surrounding Anthony Gordon have recently become increasingly concrete. Nevertheless, there could also be movement in defence in the summer

The future of Minjae Kim, in particular, remains unclear. The South Korean was already considered a possible candidate for sale last summer and continues to be the subject of critical discussion internally

However, there is apparently also a question mark over Hiroki Ito and, as reported by tz, Bayern could even be willing to talk if a suitable offer is made

Ito moved to Munich from VfB Stuttgart in 2024 for €23.5 million, but was repeatedly set back by injuries. Shortly before the start of the season, the Japanese player suffered a broken metatarsal and was out for months. He later broke the same foot again

Although Ito fought his way back and has since made 21 competitive appearances, he has never really been a starter. The 26-year-old played virtually no part in the big knockout games against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.