[REVISION HISTORY]

Sporting CP secures Maxi Araújo and Issa Doumbia

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-22 22:47 UTC → 2026-08-26 06:19 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, Sporting Clube de Portugal announced that Uruguayan winger Maxi Araújo would remain at the club for at least another season, with a planned salary revision to reward his performances for both Sporting and the Uruguay national team. The club highlighted his importance on the left side following the departure of Ricardo Mangas. A week later, in early August 2026, Sporting confirmed a new long‑term deal for Araújo, extending his contract to 30 June 2030. The agreement raised his net salary to €2 million per season and added an €80 million release clause. Upon signing, Araújo expressed that he felt “only happiness and gratitude towards Sporting CP” and that he and his family were very happy. The club also disclosed the €23 million signing of 20‑year‑old Italian midfielder Issa Doumbia from Venezia, marking the Italian side’s most lucrative sale. This move was part of a broader strategy to strengthen the squad for the upcoming campaign. By late August 2026, Araújo reached a new milestone when he captained Sporting CP to a 3-1 victory over Alverca in the third round of the league. He described receiving the captain's armband for the first time as a “tremendous happiness,” noting his commitment to helping younger players adapt to the club's culture. During this match, Araújo also scored a significant goal from outside the penalty area. Observers have noted that his intense playing style and competitive energy have established him as a key leadership figure, particularly as the team seeks to strengthen locker room bonds following recent internal challenges at Alvalade.

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