PSV star Mauro Junior 'targeted' by Porto and Leeds amid contract talks

PSV's Mauro Jr. during the Eredivisie match between Sparta and PSV in April 2026
PSV's Mauro Jr. during the Eredivisie match between Sparta and PSV in April 2026Photo by PETER LOUS / NURPHOTO / NURPHOTO VIA AFP

PSV wish to extend the contract of vice-captain Mauro Jr., but enjoy strong competition from FC Porto and Leeds United, Dutch media reported on Thursday.

Mauro Junior, 27, has grown to become a star in Peter Bosz's dominant PSV side and won four league titles in nine seasons with the Eindhoven side.

The Brazilian defender annex midfielder is under contract with PSV through 2029 after extending his contract last summer, but according to Voetbal International, the Eredivisie champions want to further extend Mauro Jr.'s contract, also to take out the release clause.

PSV are bidding to fend off the interest from Portuguese giants FC Porto and Premier League outfit Leeds United, as well as "a number of South European clubs". Mauro Jr. himself is at a crossroads in his career, with his goal of playing for the Brazilian national team not coming closer while playing for PSV.

Mauro has played 200 games for PSV since joining them from Desportivo Brasil in 2017, scoring 9 goals and assisting a further 23 across all competitions.