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Latest developments
- Manchester United are planning a £50 million bid for Tomas Araujo.
- Ruben Amorim wants to beat Chelsea to the defender’s signature.
- The new United boss knows the Benfica man from his time at Sporting CP.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Sources know Amorim’s agenda
Man Utd are intent on swooping in ahead of Chelsea to sign Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo, offering the Portuguese giants £50 million in January.
This news comes from The Sun, never the most reliable source, yet their source claims to know that Ruben Amorim has a meeting with the United board today, with Araujo’s name on the agenda.
Value (2.5/5): Underrated by Transfermarkt?
If there is any truth in the story, then former Sporting boss Amorim is clearly an admirer of his old cross-city rivals’ 22-year-old, who has formed a great partnership with veteran Nicolas Otemendi this season and making his Portugal debut.
However, he was only valued at £12.5 million by Transfermarkt in October. Usually a voice of reason in the crazy world of football transfers, is this a case of the site underrating a player, or are United overspending again?
Suitability (3/5): Can he play in a back three?
Were United still playing a back four, then Araujo swapping one comparatively short Argentinian centre-back in Otamendi for another in Lisandro Martinez would look ideal for United.
Though he has played the odd game at right back, it is unknown whether he can play as well in a back three, either in the centre or on the right side.
Upgrade (3.5/5): Not the first name on the team sheet
United’s back three of Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui looked far from the finished article against Bodo/Glimt last night, but they are all excellent options who Araujo could struggle to dislodge.
The jury is still out on Leny Yoro, while Araujo will be ahead of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire in the pecking order.
Logic (3/5): Unfinished business?
Going well in the UEFA Champions League and still in the hunt for three domestic honours, Araujo may prefer to finish the season in Lisbon at win his first senior honours – something United look less likely to offer this season.
If he is to make the step up to a big five league, then he can do a lot worse than work with a manager who clearly rates him.
Whisper+ verdict: 15/25
Is this quite the right time for a step up? Is he suited to the Amorim way of playing? Is he really worth £50m?
There are a lot of questions surrounding this deal; United, should proceed with caution.