Sporting set to land Uruguayan talent Maximiliano Araújo

Sporting Clube de Portugal are on the verge of securing the signing of Maximiliano Araújo, a Uruguayan international striker who currently plays for Mexican club Toluca, coached by Portuguese manager Renato Paiva.

According to reports from the Portuguese sports newspaper Maisfutebol, the deal is well advanced and the player is expected to cost the Lisbon club around €13.5 million. Meanwhile, the Spanish media, notably the 'El Chiringuito' program, suggests the transfer fee could reach €18 million, which corresponds to Maxi Araújo's release clause at Toluca.

24-year-old Uruguayan international set for Lisbon move

The 24-year-old player, who is expected to arrive in Lisbon in the coming days to sign a five-year contract, is a full international for Uruguay and was a regular starter for the national team at the last Copa América tournament. Maxi Araújo can operate along the entire left flank, but is primarily utilized as a winger.

Professionally launched at Montevideo Wanderers, the Uruguayan moved to Mexico in 2020, initially playing for Puebla before joining Toluca last season, where he recently played alongside former Sporting player Paulinho.

Absence from recent Toluca game fuels Sporting speculation

According to Maisfutebol, on Tuesday, after Toluca's elimination from the Leagues Cup, Maxi Araújo was not an option for coach Renato Paiva, who refused to comment on the reason for the influential player's absence from the Mexican club's team. "I cannot talk about this matter", the Portuguese manager simply said.

Then on Wednesday, 'El Chiringuito' reported that Maxi Araújo was not used in Toluca's game against Colorado Rapids in the Leagues Cup, as the deal with Sporting is well advanced. The same source claims the Uruguayan international has already agreed a five-year contract with the Lions.