Liverpool are ‘in the Race’ to Sign £67m Benfica Star This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool are in the Race to Sign Benfica’s Tomás Araújo

Liverpool are reportedly in a three-way transfer battle alongside Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for Benfica’s highly-rated centre-back Tomás Araújo, according to a Foot Mercato exclusive. The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the standout defensive prospects in Europe, and clubs are circling as they look to reinforce their backlines ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Araújo, currently under contract with Benfica until 2029, won’t be available for a bargain. As per Foot Mercato, his release clause stands at a hefty £67million, a figure that reflects both his potential and Benfica’s determination to retain their rising star. “Chelsea and Liverpool have both missed out on signing Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who, ultimately, will join Real Madrid at the end of the season,” the report states, suggesting Araújo is the next name on both clubs’ shopping lists.

This pursuit marks a notable shift in Liverpool’s defensive recruitment, especially given the strong debut season under Arne Slot. Yet the need to plan long-term is apparent, with question marks hanging over the durability of certain squad members.

Photo: IMAGO

PSG Eyeing Araújo Amid Squad Uncertainty

While Liverpool and Chelsea assess their options post-Huijsen, PSG are also positioning themselves for Araújo’s signature. Foot Mercato reports that “it is possible that Marquinhos, the longest-serving Parisien in the squad, could leave the Parc des Princes this summer.”

This opens the door for Luís Campos to act, although, intriguingly, Campos’ own future at PSG remains “uncertain”. The Parisians have yet to submit a formal offer, but with big names like Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté also listed among their targets, it’s clear PSG are thinking boldly.

The fact Araújo has been “identified as a target” despite these high-profile alternatives says much about his quality and growth. Standing out in a Benfica squad known for producing elite talent, his stock has steadily risen, particularly after consistent performances in the Portuguese league.

Strategic Importance for Liverpool and Chelsea

For Chelsea, who are still searching for defensive balance, Araújo fits their blueprint of investing in young, technically astute players. However, it’s Liverpool’s interest that feels more urgent and potentially decisive.

Arne Slot has just led the Reds to the Premier League title, but he’ll be aware that success must be sustained through wise squad evolution. Virgil van Dijk remains a colossus, but he is now 33, and long-term planning is essential. Araújo, at 23, could represent the next generation of leadership at the back, potentially forming a new axis with Jarell Quansah or Ibrahima Konaté—if the latter remains at Anfield amid PSG’s reported interest.

Importantly, Liverpool have not yet been reported to have made an offer either, but given their clear need and past agility in the market, they could move fast.

Photo: IMAGO

Valuation and the Transfer Tug of War

At €80 million, Araújo’s release clause is significant, but not outlandish by modern standards. Benfica’s business model is built on developing and selling elite talent, and Araújo looks to be the latest off their production line.

Clubs may attempt to negotiate the figure down, but Benfica’s hand is strong. As the summer window nears, this has all the hallmarks of a classic bidding war, especially if PSG firm up their interest or Chelsea seek to bounce back from recent disappointments.

As Foot Mercato puts it clearly: “With a contract running until 2029, he has a release clause valued at £67m.” This sets the stage for a high-stakes summer pursuit.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool perspective, Araújo is exactly the kind of player fans should want the club to pursue. At just 23, he’s already playing with maturity and calmness beyond his years. Benfica’s trust in giving him a long-term contract shows how integral he is to their future, but that hasn’t deterred Europe’s elite.

For Arne Slot, this would be a high-upside addition that aligns with FSG’s usual recruitment strategy: young, high-potential, technically sharp players who can grow under a defined structure. Given Van Dijk’s age and Konaté’s patchy injury record, Araújo could become a mainstay for years to come.

Some fans might question the fee, but after watching clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal invest heavily in defenders who transform their backlines, there’s a growing acceptance that top defenders are worth top money. Araújo isn’t just a name on a list—he looks like a real solution.

There’s also an emotional side to it. Seeing Liverpool outmanoeuvre PSG and Chelsea for a highly-rated European defender would reinforce the club’s status as a top destination once again, especially post-Klopp. With the Premier League title secured, this summer is about sustaining that dominance. Araújo may be an expensive piece, but one that fits beautifully into the puzzle.