La Liga
Tomás Araújo, a 24-year-old center-back for Benfica, is being monitored as a potential signing for Real Madrid to strengthen their defense in upcoming transfer windows. The Portuguese club has the player under contract until 2031 and has set the price tag at around 40 million euros for his potential departure.
Tomás Araújo renews until 2031! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/r7NfqBQrhM
— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) September 2, 2026
Tomás Araújo Linked to Real Madrid's Radar
Real Madrid's interest has been revealed by Luca Bargellini, a journalist from TuttomercatoWeb. The information places Tomás Araújo among the center-backs being observed by Real Madrid, although there is currently no formal offer or open negotiation between the clubs.
His contractual situation limits the room for potential suitors. Benfica extended the center-back's contract until 2031 on September 2nd, so they do not need to consider any offers below their valuation. The current estimated amount to start negotiations stands at around 40 million euros.
Araújo has featured in 11 official matches this season, contributing one goal and one assist. The defender has established himself in Benfica's first team after progressing through their youth ranks and is now part of the team's group of captains.
His age bracket makes Araújo a long-term investment option for Real Madrid. The club continues to compete in LaLiga while keeping tabs on players for future transfer windows.
Benfica Already Rebuffed Milan for Tomás Araújo
The price tag of 40 million euros already hindered a potential deal in the last summer window. According to reports from Italy, Jorge Mendes offered Tomás Araújo to AC Milan, who considered his signing before opting for other defensive alternatives.
The Italian side did not progress further upon learning the conditions set by Benfica. This precedent sets an economic benchmark for Real Madrid if they decide to formalize their current interest into a concrete proposal.
Competition isn't limited to just Madrid. Bayern Munich is also among the clubs monitoring the Portuguese center-back, suggesting potential additional suitors if he continues to feature prominently for Benfica.

Real Madrid Weighing Defensive Options
Currently, the situation is in a monitoring phase. Real Madrid is tracking Araújo's progress without initiating formal discussions with Benfica, a significant difference from an ongoing transfer negotiation.
The price tag of 40 million euros and the contract until 2031 place Benfica in a favorable position to set the terms. Madrid will have to decide in the upcoming markets if this valuation aligns with their defensive planning and squad needs in LaLiga.
The next steps will depend on progressing from monitoring to actual discussions between the clubs. As long as there is no offer, Tomás Araújo will remain tied to Benfica until 2031, with Real Madrid, Bayern, and other European teams monitoring his development.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mourinho pide el fichaje de Tomás Araujo al Real Madrid
