Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was spotted with Ronald Araujo's agent at Anfield amid the Barcelona defender's expected move from Spain to Merseyside
Richard Hughes is in charge of Liverpool's summer transfer business
Richard Hughes is in charge of Liverpool's summer transfer business(Image: (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images))
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was spotted talking to the agent of Ronald Araujo at Anfield following the Reds' defeat to Monaco in a preseason friendly.
It has been widely reported in recent days that the club is closing in on a loan deal to bring in the Barcelona defender, with the agreement including a buy option next summer. It comes as Liverpool finds itself in desperate need of defensive reinforcements following a preseason injury to Joe Gomez, while the club is also waiting on the return of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
Virgil van Dijk is currently Liverpool's only fit senior center-back available, and Andoni Iraola has been forced to turn to youngsters Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Luke Chambers throughout preseason so far.
The former, in particular, has impressed in every appearance but is unable to play for the club in the first half of next season as he does not yet have a work permit.
Araujo, who is Barcelona's captain, has endured a difficult period with injuries. He also took a leave of absence last season in order to prioritize his mental health.
Liverpool ultimately succumbed to defeat against Monaco despite giving itself a two-goal advantage earlier in the game.
The second-half collapse very much mirrored the disappointing loss against Leeds in the final game of the U.S. tour, in which the lack of depth proved costly as the game went on.
Interestingly, fans spotted Hughes talking with someone who appeared to be Edoardo Crnjar, one of Araujo's agents, in the background of Florian Wirtz's post-match interview with the media.
It is worth noting that defender Leoni is also among Excellence Sport's clientele.
Araujo will also have appealed to Liverpool's recruitment team due to his versatility. Although primarily a central defender, the 27-year-old can also function as a right-back, another position where Liverpool has dwindling numbers.
Jeremie Frimpong is fit and available, but question marks remain over his long-term suitability. Conor Bradley, meanwhile, is still recovering from a serious injury, while Liverpool's current utility defender, Gomez, is expected to miss the start of the season due to another injury.
It's fair to say time is ticking for Hughes and his team, with Liverpool's opening Premier League fixture against Newcastle just two weeks away. The transfer window is also set to slam shut in a little under four weeks' time.
So far, Liverpool has signed Victor Munoz from La Liga side Osasuna, while Jacquet completed the transfer that was initially agreed back in January. A number of question marks remain in attack, midfield and defense, even with the imminent arrival of Araujo, so there is still plenty to do in the closing stages of the window.
Liverpool has just two preseason games remaining in the form of a doubleheader against Italian side Como, one of which will be played behind closed doors. Then, full focus shifts to the Premier League as the Reds look to get the Iraola era off to the best possible start.