Looking to 2026/27, Rui Costa decides on Benfica starter | OneFootball

Tomás Araújo is close to gaining a new status at Benfica. According to what has been learned, the defender — who was watching the B team’s match — is seen as the new ‘leader’ by the Eagles’ board, headed by Rui Costa. This situation therefore reinforces the commitment that the Lisbon club wants to make to the No. 44 for 2026/27.

According to information reported by Record, Benfica’s SAD is very pleased with Tomás Araújo’s performances and intends to keep counting on the defender next season, now with this new status. If that happens, the same source explains that the No. 44 will see his salary increased, either through a contract renewal or salary progression based on the number of matches played.

In reporting this scenario, the sports daily points to two certainties: Benfica’s belief and commitment that Tomás Araújo will lead the Eagles’ defence from next season onward, as well as Nicolás Otamendi’s departure at the end of the season — despite contradictory rumours — is gaining strength.

The objective of the Eagles’ board, led by Rui Costa, is to enhance the media rise that Tomás Araújo has been enjoying in recent seasons. The 23-year-old defender, it should be remembered, renewed his contract in 2024, at a time when he began to have a more consistent presence in Benfica’s back line, becoming one of the most-used players.

This season, playing for Benfica, Tomás Araújo — valued at €28 million — has already made a total of 36 official appearances: 20 in the Liga Portugal Betclic, nine in the Champions League, four in the Portuguese Cup, two in the League Cup and one in the Liga Portugal Meu Super. In the 2,538 minutes he has spent on the pitch, the defender has recorded one goal and one assist.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.