Manchester United, chelsea And tottenham Spent several weeks connected with Maxi Araújo. Sporting received a boost earlier this month when the player spoke openly about his desire to stay.
A few weeks later, the picture is a little less straightforward.
The Uruguay international is enjoying an excellent World Cup and after another exceptional performance, he gave a more cautious response when asked about his future.
From "I Want to Stay" to "You Never Know"
Araújo was once again one of Uruguay's key players in a 2–2 draw against Cape Verde. The Sporting wide man scored once and provided an assist. His World Cup numbers now stand at two goals and one assist in just two matches.
His performances are doing exactly what Sporting feared they would do – attracting even more attention from clubs already keeping a close eye on him.
But what makes the latest development interesting is its contradiction with his comments made earlier this month. Araújo appears to strongly support the idea of remaining in Lisbon.
"My idea is to stay at Sporting. We are going to play in the Champions League again and that excites me very much"He said at that time.
Those comments were welcomed at Alvalade, especially because the Champions League has been one of the club's strongest arguments in their efforts to keep him.
However, the atmosphere was a little different after the Cape Verde match.
"I'm very happy with Sporting, but you never know what will happen." he told Portuguese radio antenna 1.
Interestingly, Araújo also spoke warmly of his Sporting teammate Iván Fresneda. Fresneda was in Miami for the match.
"It was a pleasure to talk with Fresneda, I'm grateful he was here and I love playing with him. I hope we can play together for a long time." He said.
So despite leaving the door open regarding his future, he continues to talk like a player who has invested a lot in his club.
Sporting is already preparing its pitch
Recent reports in Portugal have revealed how the club intend to fight to keep Araújo for at least another season.
The plan includes meetings with his representatives after the World Cup and a pay rise that could make him one of the highest earners in Rui Borges' squad.
Sporting have also committed to a figure close to his €80m (£69m) release clause.
But now, after previously appearing committed to staying, he has left a little more room for uncertainty.
It's only a small change in wording, but Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are all watching closely, so it won't go unnoticed.
