Man United burst into race to sign “top-tier” South American

Manchester United have now burst into the race to sign Sporting CP star Maxi Araujo, with the left-back available for 50% less than his release clause.

Maxi Araujo’s favoured position and stats this season

Araujo is a left-back by trade, but he often features further forward in a wing-back role or at left-wing, and he has six goals and four assists to his name in 43 matches for Sporting across all competitions this season.

However, one analyst has made it clear the Uruguayan is still solid from a defensive point of view, saying: “Maxi Araújo is exactly what United need. A fullback who attacks aggressively with genuine end product, yet remains top-tier defensively.

“He has the explosive power to change the tempo of a game instantly. He is a great technician who can be involved in all phases of play, and he’s an excellent progresser of the ball from deep through his carrying ability.”

Not only has the South American impressed at club level, but he has also caught the eye for his country, establishing himself as a regular starter for Uruguay under the helm of Marcelo Bielsa, and scoring three goals in 28 caps.

Man Utd and Chelsea enter race to sign Maxi Araujo

With that in mind, it is unsurprising that two of the Premier League‘s biggest clubs have now joined the race for Araujo’s signature, namely Man United and Chelsea, and it looks as though he will be available for way below his release clause.

The Uruguay star is protected by a €80m (£69m) buy-out clause, but he could be available for just €40m (£35m), which would be a 50% discount.

A significant bid could be ‘difficult’ for the Portuguese side to refuse, despite the 26-year-old’s importance, missing just two Liga Portugal games since September.

However, perhaps most impressively, the Montevideo-born full-back has excelled in the Champions League, putting on a show in the 5-0 second leg victory against Bodo/Glimt in the round of 16.

The Sporting star also played his part in limiting Arsenal to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of the quarter-final, completing 11 defensive actions, albeit the Gunners still went through due to a 1-0 aggregate victory.

It could be time for Araujo to make the step-up to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, but left-back is not the only position in which Man United want to strengthen, with AC Milan attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic and Sunderland maestro Noah Sadiki also being targeted.