FC Barcelona - Barca - FCB
Liverpool are closing in on a season-long loan deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo as Andoni Iraola looks to solve the club’s defensive problems. The deal will include a €55 million (£47.1m) option to buy. The 27-year-old is set to undergo a medical on Sunday. Araujo has spent much of his career at Barcelona and has made more than 200 senior appearances for the Spanish giants. However, his position became less secure last season, making a move to Anfield an attractive opportunity.
Liverpool move for Araujo takes shape
As reported by the BBC, Liverpool have agreed a loan deal for Araujo that includes an option to make the transfer permanent. The Uruguay international is expected to travel for his medical as the Reds look to complete the move quickly.
The defender would add valuable experience to Liverpool’s back line and can also cover at right-back when needed. That versatility could prove useful if Conor Bradley remains out at the start of the 2026/27 season.
Araujo joined Barcelona from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2019. Since then, he has become an important player for the club. He has also helped Barcelona win three La Liga titles in the past four seasons and ended last season as the club’s captain.
However, he started only 11 league matches last season as Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi became the preferred central defensive pairing. As reported by the New York Times, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick informed Araujo that he would receive playing time but was unlikely to have a leading role this season. That opened the door for Liverpool to make their move.
Ronald Araujo’s Barcelona stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Defensive Contributions Tackles Interceptions
La Liga 24 73 21 9
Copa Del Rey 3 8 2 –
Champions League 10 44 9 3
Liverpool’s defensive problems force action
Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements has grown during the summer. Ibrahima Konate left the club when his contract expired before joining Real Madrid. Joe Gomez is also set to miss the start of the season with a muscle injury.
Jeremy Jacquet has yet to play in pre-season after dealing with a shoulder problem. Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from a long-term ACL injury, while Conor Bradley’s knee problem has added to Liverpool’s lack of options in defence.
The situation became so difficult that Iraola had to use teenage defenders during the club’s recent football pre-season tour. Luke Chambers was also used in central defence, while the manager admitted that his squad was thin in that area.
Araujo therefore arrives at an important time. His experience could provide stability while Liverpool wait for their injured defenders to return.
FC Barcelona - Barca - FCB
FC Barcelona - Barca - FCB
Araujo offers experience and versatility
Araujo would give Liverpool an experienced defender who can play in more than one position. He mainly plays at centre-back but can also cover at right-back. That could help while Bradley remains out and Liverpool manage their defensive workload.
The move would also give Araujo a fresh start after his role at Barcelona became less important. He wanted to remain a key player at the club, but Flick’s plans have opened the door for a temporary move.
The Premier League side are reportedly prepared to cover his wages during the loan spell. The €55m purchase option would also give them the chance to make the move permanent if Araujo impresses.
For Barcelona, the departure could create greater room to register new players, although losing an experienced centre-back also leaves Flick with fewer options. For Liverpool, meanwhile, Araujo could provide exactly what Iraola needs: experience, versatility and immediate defensive depth at a crucial stage of the season.
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