Newcastle United Eye Maximiliano Araujo — But There’s a Big Catch

Newcastle United have registered interest in Sporting CP left-back Maximiliano Araujo this summer, joining Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for one of Europe’s most exciting full-backs. However, there’s a significant condition attached — the Magpies will only make their move if Lewis Hall leaves St James’ Park first.

Hall’s Future Holds the Key

Hall has attracted serious interest from Champions League clubs, and should he depart, Newcastle are ready to act swiftly. Araujo has emerged as their primary target to fill the void at left-back, though the €80 million release clause in his contract — which runs until 2029 — could prove a major obstacle given Newcastle’s financial constraints.

Araujo’s Stock Has Never Been Higher

The 26-year-old Uruguayan has been turning heads across Europe, and his performances against Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals only accelerated that attention. Sporting CP are already working on a new deal to keep him, which tells you everything about how highly he’s rated at Alvalade.

A Three-Way Battle for the Uruguayan Star

Chelsea and Manchester United remain the frontrunners, with both clubs offering something Newcastle currently cannot — Champions League football. That’s likely to be the decisive factor for Araujo when weighing up his options.

Newcastle are a genuine project, but if Araujo’s ambitions stretch to European nights, he may look elsewhere. For now, Manchester United and Chelsea appear best placed to win this race — unless Newcastle can structure a compelling enough deal to make him think twice.