Crystal Palace’s bid to sign Tomas Araujo in January has taken a significant blow.
It comes as no surprise considering the status of the defender.
Benfica’s latest emerging prospect is centre-half Tomas Araujo as he has been an ever-present in their starting line-up this season.
The 22-year-old has been consistently among the best performers for the Portuguese club this season which to no surprise has left Crystal Palace interested.
Dougie Freedman held an interest in the summer and this interest led to a Crystal Palace bid. The defender remained at his club though as Benfica rejected the offer from the Eagles.
However, the interest remains to this day – but now the Eagles have been dealt a blow.
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Crystal Palace handed Tomas Araujo blow
The Eagles’ return of interest in Araujo looks destined to fail according to reports in Portugal.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Crystal Palace retained an interest in signing Araujo ahead of 2025. But the deal now looks like a non-starter.
According to Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha, Benfica’s demands for Araujo remain high with his €100m or £83.1m release clause required to sign the talented defender.
When taken into account that Crystal Palace bid £25.4m in the summer, it would require Steve Parish to raise his bid by £57.7m.
So in other words, this deal is absolutely placed into the no-chance category for now – unless some sort of negotiation can half or third the asking price.
Oliver Glasner has plenty of centre-back options
For Glasner, this season has had a lot of problems but the centre of defence is not one of them. Defensively is where we have seen all the Eagles’ standout performers.
Marc Guehi’s future is a doubt and there is indication that Crystal Palace could sell in January. Meanwhile, Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah are both proving excellent additions to the squad.
Below the starters, Crystal Palace have the injured Chadi Riad to come into the team along with Chris Richards who will soon return. Additionally, academy gem Mofe Jemide looks like a prospect full of potential to play a role in the first team in the near future.
Additionally, Crystal Palace are linked with adding cheaper options such as Terry Yegbe, rather than possibly bankrupting the club for a defender who might not even start right now.
