Leeds United Close In on Defensive Reinforcement as Benfica Accept £21.6m Bid for Tomás Araújo
As the countdown to the start of the new season intensifies, Leeds United are making decisive moves in the transfer market — and their latest target appears to be on the brink of signing. The Yorkshire club have turned their attention to Portugal in their hunt for defensive solidity, and it seems they’ve found a promising solution in Benfica’s Tomás Araújo.
The 25-year-old centre-back has impressed scouts and analysts alike during his time in the Primeira Liga, establishing himself as a composed, physically dominant defender with the technical ability to initiate attacks from the back. Leeds, who narrowly missed out on Premier League promotion last season, are now aiming to address their defensive inconsistencies — a major talking point from their campaign — and Araújo looks set to be the cornerstone of that rebuild.
Benfica Ready to Sell
According to close sources within the Portuguese club, Benfica have signaled their willingness to sell Araújo for a fee of £21.6 million. The decision follows the recent arrival of Richard Ríos, a Colombian defensive midfielder known for his versatility and composure on the ball. Though Ríos is not a direct positional rival to Araújo, his acquisition has altered Benfica’s squad dynamics, freeing up the possibility of letting one of their other defensive assets move on.
The Portuguese giants are reportedly looking to trim their squad before the start of the new campaign and generate funds for further reinforcements in key areas. Araújo, while a valued player, has found himself increasingly in rotation rather than an automatic starter. With Leeds presenting a firm and financially attractive offer, Benfica seem content to greenlight the move.
Leeds’ Defensive Priorities
For Leeds manager Daniel Farke, strengthening the defence has become a top priority. The club conceded 63 goals in the Championship last season, and their inability to hold onto leads cost them valuable points. With promotion the clear goal this time around, Farke knows that tightening up at the back will be non-negotiable if they’re to secure a top-two finish.
Araújo’s profile fits what Leeds have been lacking — a ball-playing centre-half with the maturity and experience to lead a backline. Standing at 6’2”, he’s an aerial threat during set pieces and composed when under pressure, traits Leeds sorely missed in key matches last season. His performances for Benfica and on loan at Gil Vicente in earlier seasons showed a player capable of rising to big occasions and organizing a defensive line efficiently.
A Saga Nearing Its Conclusion
The pursuit of Araújo has been building quietly in the background for several weeks. Leeds have scouted him on multiple occasions, and internal discussions over his suitability have been overwhelmingly positive. What initially appeared to be speculative interest quickly evolved into advanced negotiations, with the clubs now understood to have agreed in principle to the £21.6 million fee.
Personal terms are also believed to be close to completion, with Araújo reportedly keen on a move to England. Sources close to the player suggest that he sees Leeds as an exciting project — a sleeping giant on the cusp of reclaiming its Premier League status, with an ambitious board and a passionate fan base to match.
Competition and Timelines
Leeds were not the only club monitoring Araújo. Reports from Portugal indicate that Ligue 1 side Lille OSC and Serie A outfit Torino had both expressed interest earlier in the window. However, neither club submitted a formal bid, allowing Leeds to take the front seat in the race.
The timing is crucial. With the new Championship season just around the corner, Leeds are pushing to finalize the transfer before the opening weekend in August. The goal is to have Araújo integrated into the squad during the final stretch of pre-season preparations so that he can hit the ground running.
Medical examinations and visa paperwork are expected to be completed within the next week if everything goes as planned. Should no unexpected issues arise, an official announcement could come in the early days of August, potentially making Araújo the club’s third summer signing.
A Statement of Intent
While the Championship is known for its grueling schedule and fierce competition, the recruitment of a player of Araújo’s calibre sends a clear signal: Leeds are not content with second-best. They are building a squad not just to compete, but to dominate.
If completed, the deal would represent one of Leeds United’s most significant financial outlays in recent seasons — and it reflects a renewed determination from the ownership group to ensure last season’s promotion disappointment is not repeated.
With fans desperate for Premier League football to return to Elland Road, the arrival of Tomás Araújo could mark a turning point. A strengthened backline, increased squad depth, and a player hungry to prove himself in English football — all ingredients that suggest Leeds are ready to mount a serious challenge for automatic promotion.
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