Chelsea Could Secure Benfica Tomas Araujo for £66m
Chelsea have been linked with a potential move for 22-year-old Benfica defender Tomas Araujo, one of the rising stars in European football.
Araujo’s performances this season have garnered significant attention, but for Chelsea, this pursuit must avoid repeating past mistakes—especially when it comes to inflated transfer fees, as seen with Enzo Fernandez.
Araujo’s Journey So Far
The Portuguese center-back joined Benfica’s academy in 2016 at the age of 14 and has steadily climbed the ranks, debuting for the club’s B team in 2020. After gaining valuable first-team experience during a loan spell at Gil Vicente in the 2022/23 season, Araujo returned to Benfica to establish himself as a reliable figure in the senior squad.
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This season, Araujo has made 17 appearances across all competitions, starting in five of Benfica’s six Champions League games and 11 of their 13 domestic league fixtures. His steady rise has now positioned him as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Fernandez Comparison
Chelsea’s previous dealings with Benfica, particularly their acquisition of Enzo Fernandez for a British-record £106.8m, provide a cautionary tale.
Fernandez arrived at Stamford Bridge with immense expectations, but it has taken time for him to adjust, raising questions about the premium Chelsea paid for a player with limited top-level experience.
Araujo’s current £66m release clause—significantly less than Fernandez’s fee—makes him a more attainable target.
However, Chelsea must carefully evaluate whether such an investment in a relatively inexperienced player aligns with their long-term objectives.
Why Araujo Makes Sense for Chelsea
Chelsea’s defensive lineup has shown inconsistency this season. While Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill have become mainstays, both have struggled with form. Meanwhile, Axel Disasi, Benoît Badiashile, and Tosin Adarabioyo have yet to fully convince manager Enzo Maresca of their reliability.
Given these challenges, signing a young, dynamic center-back like Araujo could bring fresh energy and competition to Chelsea’s defense. Araujo’s technical skills and composure on the ball align with Maresca’s emphasis on structured build-up play.
Key Considerations
While Araujo’s potential is undeniable, Chelsea must approach this transfer with caution. Overpaying for unproven talent risks repeating the missteps of recent seasons.
The club must also weigh the immediate need for defensive reinforcements against the longer-term development of players like Colwill and Badiashile.
Benfica’s willingness to tie Araujo to a new deal until 2029 signals their intent to maximize his value. If Chelsea proceed with this deal, it must be under terms that reflect the player’s experience and potential rather than just his market hype.
Final Thoughts
Tomas Araujo represents an intriguing opportunity for Chelsea, but the club’s recent transfer history suggests prudence is needed. A measured approach to this deal could allow Chelsea to strengthen their squad without falling into the trap of overvaluing emerging talent.
Whether Araujo becomes the next Fernandez-like acquisition or a more calculated success will depend on how the Blues manage this negotiation.
Chelsea Could Secure Benfica Tomas Araujo for £66m
