Araújo at €100M: Benfica shields the defensive axis

Benfica renewed Tomás Araújo's contract until 2031, increasing the player's release clause from €80 to €100 million. This decision comes as a way to protect the club's defensive axis, at a time when the 24-year-old centre-back has attracted interest from other European clubs. The renewal represents a clear bet by the red-and-white board on one of their most valuable players in the defensive sector. The increase in the clause, although significant, does not guarantee that the player cannot leave if a club is willing to pay the full amount, but it considerably raises the price that any interested party would have to pay to secure his services.