Ronald Araujo is close to completing a loan move to Liverpool from Barcelona, with the defender set to undergo a medical on Sunday, and Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has already given a verdict on his fellow Uruguayan
Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo
Darwin Nunez has previously discussed his Uruguay teammate Ronald Araujo(Image: Luis ROBAYO / AFP via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez has already offered a glowing assessment of Ronald Araujo as the defender edges closer to a move to Anfield. The Reds have made their move for the Barcelona star to shore up their defensive frailties.
Araujo is on the verge of completing a loan switch from Barcelona to bolster Liverpool's depleted backline. The Reds are in desperate need of defensive cover, with captain Virgil van Dijk currently the sole fit center-back available to Andoni Iraola.
Araujo predominantly operates as a central defender but can also fill in at right-back, alleviating concerns across two positions. The loan arrangement includes an option to make the move permanent, with the 27-year-old set to undergo a medical on Sunday.
The Uruguayan featured in his nation's squad at this summer's World Cup, though he was kept on the sidelines throughout due to a calf injury. Former Red Nunez shares a longstanding bond with Araujo and has previously spoken warmly of his qualities, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"Ronald, well, he's been my friend for a long time," Nunez told AUFTV in May 2025. "He's a very humble person, he comes from the same background as me, he also has the same characteristics as me, we both come from towns that are very far from the city of Montevideo."
Beyond their close friendship, Nunez highlighted the personal qualities that define Araujo's character: "This is a humble person, a cheerful person, a family man and a good friend."
Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo
Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo have been international teammates for several years(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Nunez would presumably welcome Liverpool making an approach for Araujo. The striker previously demonstrated his fondness for the defender back in 2022, when Araujo's participation at the World Cup hung in the balance.
The Barcelona center-half had suffered a thigh injury requiring surgery just months before the tournament. Prior to a friendly fixture against Canada in September 2022, Nunez displayed a Uruguay shirt bearing Araujo's name to signal that he remained in both his and the squad's thoughts.
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Similar to this summer's competition, Araujo recovered sufficiently to earn selection in Uruguay's World Cup squad nearly four years ago. Nevertheless, he didn't make an appearance before his nation exited at the group stage.
Araujo was appointed Barcelona club captain in January following experienced goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen's loan departure. He contributed to guiding the Catalan club to the La Liga championship, featuring in 24 league matches.
The adaptable defender has spent most of his professional career at the club, originally signing for Barcelona B following his transfer from Uruguayan outfit Boston River in 2018. Araujo has accumulated 213 appearances for Barcelona, securing three La Liga titles and claiming the Copa del Rey on two occasions.