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7 hours ago
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Tomas Araujo is now at the heart of a transfer pursuit involving Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
The 23-year-old Benfica defender, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most complete young center-backs, has garnered interest from multiple clubs who are scrambling for defensive reinforcements.
The Portuguese center-back, who is under contract until 2029 and protected by an €80 million release clause, has drawn the attention of Chelsea and Liverpool, who have missed out on the race for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, bound for Real Madrid.
PSG, meanwhile, may need a replacement for Marquinhos, whose future in Paris is uncertain.
Araujo isn’t just another name on the shortlist, but the Portuguese player is a new age defender who can play as full-back or centre-back, depending on team needs.
He is also a statistical outlier in multiple categories. According to Fbref, which had his comparison with other center-backs, he has shown significantly good numbers over multiple parameters.
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He ranks in the 94th percentile for progressive passes and the 98th for progressive carries among center-backs. His tackle rate — 2.73 per 90 — places him in the top 97%.
Despite a modest goal record, he punches above his weight creatively, posting more assists and shot-creating actions than most defenders in Europe.
His ability to break lines, cover ground, and beat pressure makes him a modern-day blueprint of a ball-playing defender.
PSG have Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté on radar as well
Tomás Araújo isn’t the sole centre-back which PSG have identified this season.
Les Parisiens are also actively monitoring Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano of Bayern Munich.
As reported by L’Équipe, Konaté’s contract situation has Liverpool uneasy, and a return to his hometown could be a possibility.
Meanwhile, kicker’s Georg Holzner (via @iMiaSanMia) confirms talks between Bayern and Upamecano have stalled due to wage parity concerns, opening the door for PSG.
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