Benfica secures Tomás Araújo with new long-term deal through 2031

SL Benfica announced on September 2 that central defender Tomás Araújo has signed a new long-term contract extension, keeping the 24-year-old at the Estádio da Luz through June 2031. The deal adds two years to a previous contract that was set to expire in 2029, and it comes with a bumped-up salary and a release clause set at €80 million. The details behind the deal Araújo’s new contract is actually his third extension with Benfica in roughly three years. He previously renewed in 2023 until 2028, then again in December 2024 until 2029. Each successive deal has reflected his rising importance to the squad. Benfica reportedly rejected multiple approaches during the summer 2026 transfer window from teams in the English Premier League and La Liga. The defender has been with Benfica since joining the academy in 2016 at age 14. A decade later, he’s vice-captain. What Araújo brings to the pitch Since making his first-team debut during the 2021/22 season, Araújo has racked up 113 appearances for Benfica across all competitions. He’s contributed 4 goals and 7 assists from central defense. Under manager Marco Silva, Araújo has become a prominent fixture in the defensive lineup. After finalizi...