Ronald Araujo has become Liverpool's latest summer arrival and the Uruguayan star was held in high regard by one of his former Barcelona bosses
Ronald Araujo poses at AXA Training Centre on August 10, 2026 in Kirkby, England
Ronald Araujo has completed his loan move to Liverpool(Image: Getty)
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Ronald Araujo has arrived at Liverpool with big expectations. Particularly if you ask Barcelona icon Xavi Hernandez, who once hailed his former charge as "one of the best defenders in the world."
The 27-year-old central defender, who can also operate at right-back, previously won La Liga under Xavi's command in 2023 and has been signed to reinforce an ailing Reds back line. He captained the Catalan club last year as they pipped Real Madrid to the league title once more.
Andoni Iraola is still waiting on young defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni to regain full fitness following respective shoulder and knee surgeries, whilst Joe Gomez is sidelined with a muscle issue. That left Virgil van Dijk as the only senior starter available in central defence, leading Liverpool to recruit Araujo on a temporary deal with a £47.1million option to buy.
Reds fans may be intrigued to dig up Xavi's past comments about their new defender, whom he put up there with the world's elite in 2023. His reputation may have dipped slightly since then, but he's been backed to rediscover his finest form after moving to the Premier League.
"For me, Araujo is one of the best defenders in the world and so is Jules Kounde," said the former Barca boss after Araujo played a starring role in a March 2023 triumph over rivals Real Madrid. Xavi was particularly impressed with the Uruguayan's ability to keep Vinicius Junior quiet after moving to a less familiar right-back role.
Xavi Hernandez head coach of Barcelona gives instructions to Ronald Araujo centre-back of Barcelona and Uruguay during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona
Xavi sung Araujo's praises(Image: Getty)
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Those comments bode particularly well for Iraola, given Liverpool's need for options in both central defence and at right-back. Gomez has in the past provided cover in each position but is now expected to miss the start of the Premier League campaign due to his muscle injury. Jeremie Frimpong is an attack-minded full-back and Conor Bradley remains out with a serious knee problem.
Given Jacquet and Leoni's delayed integration this summer, it seems likely Araujo will start the season partnering Van Dijk at centre-back. At least until (or if) one of Jacquet or Leoni is deemed ready to step in and provide stiffer competition.
The Uruguay international was named in his country's squad for World Cup 2026 but did not feature at the tournament due to a calf problem. He will wear the No. 33 at Anfield and believes his attributes are well-suited to playing in England's top flight.
"I can't wait to get started. I'm very, very happy," he told Liverpool's official website. "I'm excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I'm excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I'm very motivated and really up for getting going.
Ronald Araujo signs his Liverpool contract
The 27-year-old becomes the Reds' third summer signing(Image: Getty)
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"It happened really, really quickly, to be honest with you. It's a huge thanks to Liverpool for making that process so quick and for getting in touch and for their interest. I had no doubts for a second about coming here. It's a great club, a great institution and it's a great opportunity for me to enjoy my football here.
"I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take. I think my attributes will suit this league down to the ground. I think the style of play in the English league should be perfect for my qualities as a player. It's a league I've wanted to play in for a long time."