Sporting CP locks down Maxi Araujo to 2030 and completes €23m Issa Doumbia signing

Sporting Clube de Portugal announced that Uruguayan winger Maxi Araújo has signed a new contract extending his stay until 30 June 2030. The deal raises his salary to €2 million net per season and includes a €80 million release clause. Araújo, who joined from Deportivo Toluca in 2024, has made 93 appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals and helping Sporting win a league title and a Portuguese Cup. He said, "Emozioni? Solo felicità e gratitudine nei confronti dello Sporting CP. Io e la mia famiglia siamo molto felici e spero di rimanere qui per molti anni."

In a separate move, 20‑year‑old Italian midfielder Issa Doumbia transferred permanently from Venezia FC to Sporting for a reported €23 million plus bonuses, the most lucrative sale in Venezia’s history. Doumbia arrived at Sporting after a breakout season in Serie A, where he recorded 37 appearances, 10 goals and six assists, playing a key role in Venezia’s promotion. The signing was confirmed as part of Sporting’s strategy to strengthen its squad ahead of the new campaign.