Uruguay media react to Tottenham 'target' Maxi Araujo’s display vs Cape Verde
Sporting CP star Maxi Araujo failed to impress the media on Sunday as Uruguay were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Cape Verde in the 2026 World Cup.
The 26-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer as they look to bounce back from their poor 2025-26 campaign.
However, despite picking up a goal and an assist against the West African side, the media was not kind about the winger’s performance.
After the shock draw to Cape Verde, Araujo was labelled as “very erratic” in what was an embarrassing result for the two-time World Cup champions.
As a result, Uruguay’s hopes of qualification into the knockout stages now rest on their final match against Spain after collecting just two points in their opening two matches.
A victory would likely see them top the group. However, a defeat could see them booted out of the competition after finishing bottom of Group H.
Maxi Araujo disappoints media despite goal vs Cape Verde
Araujo’s performances for Sporting CP in the 2025-26 campaign caught plenty of attention.
The Uruguay international picked up 13 goal contributions in all competitions as the club finished second in Primeira Liga and reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, this former has not continued in the World Cup, and after the draw against Cape Verde, the Uruguay media did not hold back in its assessment of the Tottenham target.
El Observador gave Araujo a five rating before writing: “He didn't have the same strong start as against Saudi Arabia. He misplaced passes and struggled in one-on-one situations.
“He was key and decisive in the free-kick goal, getting open around the wall. In the 39th minute, he wasted a good cross from the right, heading it poorly.
“He misplaced passes and was very erratic in the first half, but capped it off with an opportunistic goal to equalise.
“In the second half, he couldn't make a difference and finished exhausted.
“Important contributions without a great performance.”
What is the latest regarding Tottenham’s pursuit of Araujo?
Tottenham are not alone in their interest in Araujo, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Atletico Madrid also in the race.
According to a report from the Record, the Blues are the most aggressive suitor, but Spurs remain attentive to the situation.
A bid close to Araujo’s £69million release clause could be enough to secure his services as Tottenham look to put their recent domestic troubles quickly behind them.
A move is unlikely in the immediate future, given the ongoing World Cup, but if Uruguay are knocked out early, this could change.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if Spurs push to sign Araujo this summer, especially if he continues to underperform in the ongoing summer tournament.