Andoni Iraola looks on at the end of a game
Andoni Iraola looks on at the end of a game
Cameron Smith/Getty Images
Liverpool are set to sign defender Ronald Araujo from Barcelona on loan for the season and, crucially, it has emerged the Reds will have an option to buy.
The Reds lost Ibrahima Konate earlier this summer when he ran down his contract and left to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer, meaning one fewer centre-back option.
They have largely been focusing on final third additions, with Victor Munoz added to the ranks and a push to land both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain under way.
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There has still been a need for defensive additions though and Liverpool have pulled a rabbit out of the hat with Araujo.
The 27-year-old is now to join Liverpool from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal, handing Iraola another centre-back.
And crucially, Spanish daily Mundo Deportivo ‘also learned’ that Liverpool will have an option to buy in the agreement with Barcelona.
It is unclear what level the option to buy will be set at, but Liverpool will have the chance to keep hold of the Uruguayan if he does impress during his season at Anfield.
Club Years
Rentistas 2016-2017
Boston River 2017-2018
Barcelona 2018-
The transfer moved swiftly as Araujo’s agents travelled to Liverpool on Friday afternoon to quickly finalise an agreement after the Reds had found terms with Barcelona.
Araujo is set to say goodbye to his Barcelona team-mates on Saturday before he then flies to England to link up with Liverpool.
The Uruguayan will be keen to quickly settle in at Anfield and put himself at the disposal of Reds boss Andoni Iraola.
He adds to the ranks of Uruguayans to have played for Liverpool, with the most famous being another former Barcelona man in the shape of Luis Suarez.
Araujo has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool’s interest going back to 2021.
The defender was wanted by Everton a year later, while more recent links saw Aston Villa and Manchester United credited with being keen in 2024.
Now Araujo is Premier League bound, with Liverpool.