- Newcastle United add defender to summer shortlist
- Lewis Hall left out of Arsenal game sparks questions
- Maxi Araujo set to cost €45-€55 million
Many of Eddie Howe’s recent team selection choices have left Newcastle United supporters bewildered, none more so than Lewis Hall being replaced by Dan Burn against Arsenal.
Howe had hinted at that being due to the physcality offered by the former Brighton man but it was a head-turning decision given that Hall had been one of the form players. Indeed, Burn struggled against the Gunners pace.
Sports Witness reports that the Magpies have joined the chase for Sporting Lisbon’s Maxi Araujo ahead of the summer transfer window. The 26-year-old moved to Portugal in 2024 after four years in Mexico.
He has mainly featured as a left-back under Rui Borges; however, he has also been deployed further forward in midfield and even on the wing at times. He has an €80 million release clause, but Sporting are reportedly willing to accept €45–€55 million, around £48 million.
Premier League interest in Araujo heats up
Alongside the Black and Whites, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side are also looking to add quality at left-back. Their current options include Ian Maatsen and 32-year-old Lucas Digne.
Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City are also reportedly monitoring any progress in talks for the Uruguayan international.
So far this season, the 26-year-old has made 25 appearances in the Liga Portugal, scoring four goals and registering three assists.
Sporting Lisbon sit third at this stage, although they have a game in hand on José Mourinho’s Benfica side, who are three points ahead. They are also 10 points behind league leaders Porto.
Missing out on Champions League qualification would be damaging to Sporting’s transfer plans, and with a gap to the top two, high-profile sales may be required to fund reinforcements.
Araujo is described as a modern full-back, similar in profile to Hall. He is solid defensively while also offering intensity when pressing high up the pitch.
Like the English left-back, he also offers attacking intent, even if both players still have room to add more end product to their game.
At his reported valuation, it would be unlikely for him to arrive as a backup; therefore, if a deal were to happen, Hall’s long-term future on Tyneside could come into question.
Newcastle United must fight to keep Lewis Hall
In a season where results have been inconsistent and performances have dipped below the club’s rising standards, one player has stood out above the rest — 21-year-old Hall.
He plays with real commitment and gives everything for the shirt, which is why he has become such a favourite among the Toon Army.
There are currently no credible links suggesting he could leave, but if that changes, Newcastle must resist any temptation to sell. Football Insider this week claimed that the player’s exit could even be ‘inevitable’.
With several high-profile players potentially moving on, and while Araujo has impressed for Sporting this season, there is little suggestion he would offer more than Hall, who has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers in a difficult campaign.
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