Tomas Araujo: Benfica centre-back tracked by Bayern Munich ahead of summer window

On November 13, 2026, reports said Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo was a transfer target for Bayern Munich as the German club pursued defensive reinforcements ahead of next summer’s transfer window.

BILD journalist Christian Falk, speaking to CFBayern Insider, said Bayern had tracked Araujo for several seasons and remained interested. Falk said: “It is true; Bayern are looking to sign a centre-back in the next summer transfer window… There are so many concrete names at the moment. I have one I want to talk about, because he’s been on the list now for several seasons, and this is Tomas Araujo of Benfica,” Falk said, speaking to CFBayern Insider. “He’s not so expensive and he’s 24 years old. He would be very interesting for Bayern and you could get him for about €35m-40m.”

Araujo is under contract with Benfica until 2031 and his release clause is set at €80 million; the Portuguese club are reportedly willing to negotiate for roughly half that sum.

Born on May 16, 2002, in Vila Nova de Famalicao, Araujo began his youth career with Operario Famalicao, Evolution Soccer Academy and Palmeiras FC before joining Benfica’s academy in 2016 at age 14. He signed his first professional contract with Benfica in 2018 and made his professional debut for Benfica B in 2020.

He captained Benfica’s U19s to the UEFA Youth League 2021-22 title, Benfica’s first European trophy in 60 years, but after a senior debut in 2021 he struggled for first-team minutes and was loaned to Gil Vicente for the 2022-23 season, where he made 26 appearances including 22 in the Primeira Liga.

Primarily a centre-back who can also operate at right-back, Araujo’s breakthrough at Benfica came under Bruno Lage in 2024-25 when he displaced Antonio Silva from the starting XI; he has been noted for versatility and his ability to play out from the back and was named Primeira Liga Defender of the Month for November 2024.

This season Araujo has featured 19 times across all competitions, including 11 Primeira Liga appearances and eight in the UEFA Europa League. Internationally, he has made his senior debut for Portugal, was part of the Selecao’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad and has earned seven caps so far.

Any concrete transfer approach from Bayern, according to the reports, would unfold ahead of the summer window and hinge on decisions over the futures of Bayern’s current centre-backs as well as negotiations over Benfica’s reported asking price.