Liverpool's transfer window took a turn on Friday night with Andoni Iraola's Anfield bow on the horizon
Head coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool FC reacts during the second half of a preseason friendly against Leeds United at Soldier Field
Andoni Iraola is all set for his Anfield debut as manager of Liverpool(Image: Getty)
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Andoni Iraola is preparing to take charge of Liverpool for the very first time at Anfield. And fans have been buoyed by the impending arrival of a new signing.
The Reds had barely dipped their toes into the transfer waters before this weekend. Only Victor Munoz had been signed, with Jeremy Jacquet also joining up with the squad after his transfer was completed in January.
But on Friday evening, news broke that Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo will sign for Liverpool on an initial one-year loan deal, with a reported purchase option. He's set for a medical on Sunday, the same day Iraola takes to the Anfield dugout for the very first time for a pre-season match against Monaco.
Ronald Araujo details
Liverpool's approach for Araujo was rather sudden, though reports from Spain indicate he has been on the club's radar for some time. Initially, it was unclear whether the agreement included an option to buy the defender after his one-year loan.
Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona applauds the fans after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Club Brugge KV and FC Barcelona
Araujo is all set for his Reds medical(Image: Getty)
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But it has since been confirmed that the Reds do indeed have the option, not the obligation, to buy Araujo after his loan spell is complete. He will cost them £47.1million, according to reports.
A transfer timeline has also been laid out, with the 27-year-old defender set to fly into Liverpool on Sunday and complete a medical before he seals his move.
He did not travel with the Barcelona squad that played games against both Nottingham Forest and Udinese on Saturday night as part of a triangular tournament. He was filmed leaving Barcelona's training centre and thanked fans who bid him farewell.
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Ferran Torres provides boost
Another deal that Liverpool are currently negotiating is a blockbuster approach for Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. Preliminary talks have been held with the Frenchman's representatives.
Ferran Torres #7 of Spain celebrates with his medal after the team’s victory following during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium
Torres has reportedly agreed terms with PSG(Image: Getty)
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But this deal is complicated and could start to drag on. The Reds are interested in Barcola yet it is currently both sides' valuations that are causing the issue. PSG want £145m, Liverpool will not pay this.
Another option could be his team-mate, Ibrahim Mbaye. The 18-year-old Senegalese winger impressed at the World Cup and is on the Reds' radar.
However, Liverpool's chances of landing one or both of these widemen could be boosted by the revelation that Barcelona's Ferran Torres wants a move to the Parisian club.
Araujo may not be the only favour Barcelona do Liverpool this window as Marca claims talks are underway for World Cup winner Torres and he has informed the Catalan giants he wants the PSG move. All personal terms are agreed. Should he be signed, it would increase the likelihood of either Barcola, Mbaye, or both being sold, and Liverpool could pounce.