
Papers: Man Utd ready to spend £150m on three midfielders this summer
Manchester United plans to invest £150m in three midfielders this summer.
Newcastle United is targeting Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo for €45–50 million ahead of the 2026/27 season. Araujo impressed during the Champions League quarter-finals against Arsenal, contributing significantly to his team's attack.
Newcastle United Are In The Race For €45–50M Full-Back: Is This A Opportunistic Scouting?
Newcastle United have put Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo on their radar ahead of the 2026/27 season, with journalist Pete O’Rourke breaking the news on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast. The 26-year-old Uruguayan really stood out during Sporting’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal last month, putting in a shift across both legs despite Sporting’s narrow 1-0 aggregate loss.
Araujo chipped in with six goals and four assists in 43 games this season, which is a massive attacking return for a defender. Sporting have an €80 million release clause in his deal but are reportedly willing to talk business at around €45–50 million. O’Rourke mentioned that Araujo has the right profile for the Premier League, calling him fast, aggressive, and forward-thinking, though he didn’t go as far as saying he’s a top priority for the Magpies just yet.
With Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento both drawing interest from elsewhere, the left-back situation at St James’ Park has started to come under the microscope. Newcastle and Aston Villa are the latest to join the race, alongside Chelsea, , , and , in what’s shaping up to be a massive transfer battle this summer.
Maxi Araujo is a 26-year-old left-back from Sporting CP, known for his speed and attacking contributions, which have drawn Newcastle's attention as they seek to strengthen their defense.
Araujo has an €80 million release clause, but Sporting CP is reportedly open to negotiations around €45–50 million.
Araujo stood out in Sporting's Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, contributing six goals and four assists in 43 games this season.
Newcastle is looking to address left-back uncertainty, making Araujo a potential target as they prepare for the upcoming season.

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“He’s a player who’s had a good season for Sporting and obviously done well for Uruguay as well. He’ll be going to the World Cup with them. He impressed against Arsenal when they played Sporting in the Champions League quarter-finals, and is a player who looks like he has the profile to be a good fit in the Premier League.
“He’s fast, aggressive and likes to get forward, but I don’t think it would be a top priority for Newcastle. It would obviously depend (on whether) they were to lose players or players were to move on, then maybe they could be interested in Araujo.”
LISBON, PORTUGAL – APRIL 07: Maximiliano Araujo of Sporting Clube de Portugal is challenged by Ben White of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 07, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
To be honest, this feels more like a backup plan than a must-have signing, which isn’t a bad thing. Eddie Howe should currently be looking at a striker, central midfielder, and right-back as his main summer targets, leaving left-back a bit further down the list. Lewis Hall has been a consistent performer in a tough season, so it wouldn’t make much sense to replace him for no reason. But things change quickly in football; if Hall moves on, Newcastle United need a proper replacement ready to go rather than scrambling for a body in late August.
Araujo definitely has the attributes. He is athletic, direct, and happy to press high up the pitch, which makes him a perfect option for how Howe likes his team to play. His underlying numbers for goal threat are consistently high, showing that his output this season isn’t just a fluke. That’s a big deal in a league where full-backs are becoming more influential in deciding matches.
That said, there are some clear risks. Araujo still needs to refine his final ball, and at €45–50 million, he would want to be a guaranteed starter, not a bench option. On top of that, with six Premier League rivals in contention, Newcastle United won’t have much room to negotiate on price. After seeing some expensive signings struggle lately, it’s hard to justify spending big money on a position where they already have a reliable player. Araujo is a talent, but Newcastle need sure bets in this window, not pricey gambles.