Transfer rumors are as thick as snow on a Manchester winter night in European football’s never-ending landscape. Tomas Araujo, Benfica’s player, is creating waves in the football world. As Chelsea keeps a close eye on the 6’2″ center-back, Manchester United could capitalize on that by using Amorim’s strategic push.
Manchester United’s Search for Defensive Reinforcements
Ruben Amorim won his first game at Old Trafford in a dramatic Europa League round of 16 first-leg win over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday thanks to a 3-2 triumph. Amorim had also revealed his intent at reshaping Manchester United’s back line with a game in which he rotated his squad heavily, especially so in the defensive department. The Sun reports that Amorim is hoping his January transfer window move is successful.
Former Sporting CP boss Fanffati is on the lookout for a player who just happens to be his kind of man both in terms of tactics and an indirect source of boosting his former side’s fortunes. One player who could be a thorn in Chelsea’s side should United get the chance to sign him is promising defensive powerhouse Tomas Araujo.
Who is Tomas Araujo?
For now, there is still not much of a household name out of the back of the net for this preternaturally talented young Portuguese center-back as he climbs the ranks in European football. Araujo is now a one-cap Portugal international and, at 19, has been described as the ‘best prospect’ from Benfica’s academy since Dias, who famously swapped Lisbon for Manchester City and then won four Premier League titles.
Araujo is a big, strong guy with a huge frame, tough as nails, and gets around so well from the back; you need another pair of socks; he’s one of the old, unused qualities on the pitch. Amorim also regularly plays with a back three, and his versatility means he can move to right-back when required, a bonus for the Portuguese gaffer. With strength, composure, and a decent range of passing, Araujo could develop into the right-sided anchor that this setup needs.
Why Manchester United and not Chelsea?
The interest Chelsea has in Araujo is well known. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the London club had been eager to buy Araujo during the summer transfer window. However, Benfica rejected the player’s name on their wishlist and was not going to make him available to join a Premier League club for their own current season. Until now, Chelsea’s desire to bolster their defense has not been in doubt, and a swoop by United could sabotage their plans.
Tomas Araujo: Can Manchester United Make It Happen?
It may be on the financial side of things that looks a little bit daunting. Araujo’s release clause is a staggering €100m (£83m/$106m), and any Manchester United supporter would need a front-row seat for even that amount. But the report claims United believes a more reasonable sum of £50m could pick their man up. It’d be a gamble to take, but one that would be worth it, especially for a player whose stock is set to skyrocket.
A Sneak Peek at Amorim’s Game Plan
Where Araujo brings this strategy to the table is also key. He has good passing range and a strong presence to go with Amorim’s plan to play out from the back. With Araujo’s defensive prowess and his making of an equal contribution to an attack, he will be an asset for any top European club.
With January right around the corner, Old Trafford is beckoning again, the Ruben Amorim and Manchester United officials are still in discussions, and it is all eyes. Or does Manchester United finally sign Tomas Araujo, or can Chelsea get back in the race? One thing’s for sure: Tomas Araujo’s saga is starting to resemble the transfer story of the winter window.
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