Liverpool were able to finalise a rapid deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo thanks to a conversation with Hansi Flick.
Sport explain how the rapid deal taking the defender to Liverpool was finalised this week, with the defender already on his way to England for a medical.
A radical turn
The newspaper explains that the situation around Ronald Araujo ‘took a radical turn’ in a matter of days. He is now facing his final hours at the Catalan club before heading to England on Sunday to become a Liverpool player.
Sport Witness have already covered a report of his departure from the club today. He was pictured meeting Barcelona fans and saying goodbye.
Sport state that Araujo’s departure happened following a ‘whirlwind process’ triggered just before the team returned from their preseason training camp in England.
Up to that point, the Uruguayan centre-back’s commitment had been absolute. He was focused on working hard to earn a spot in Barcelona’s plans for the new season.
However, a key conversation with Hansi Flick then took place. The defender asked for complete transparency from the German coach about his situation.
Flick insisted that playing time is distributed based strictly on merit. He made it clear that, despite him being impressed by the player’s work in pre-season, he would not be first choice.
Virtual Liverpool talks
His stance changed Araujo’s thinking. He and his entourage quickly began to ‘actively seek an exit’. A response from the Premier League did not take long to arrive.
Liverpool had been in contact since Wednesday to sound out a potential transfer. Andoni Iraola spoke directly with the player to win him over, explaining the project and the role he would play alongside Virgil van Dijk.
A deal did not appear like it would move quickly. However, Friday was the decisive day. A virtual meeting between Liverpool, Barcelona, the Uruguayan’s agents and the defender heated up negotiations significantly.
Now, the plan is for him to fly to Liverpool on Sunday to undergo a medical and finalise his move to Anfield. If all goes to plan, he will join training under Iraola as early as Monday.