Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has pulled no punches with his "desperate" verdict on the Ronald Araujo loan transfer from Barcelona, which was completed earlier this week
Ronald Araujo during a Liverpool training session.
Ronald Araujo during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Steve Nicol has blasted Liverpool's loan swoop for Ronald Araujo as "desperate" after the Uruguayan center-back arrived from Barcelona earlier this week.
Andoni Iraola had spoken several times about the need for more depth in key areas - such as his defense - and with Araujo made available by the Spanish giant, the Reds swooped. If the season goes well, Liverpool can sign him for around $63 million (£47 million) next summer.
But Nicol is not impressed by the move, which would appear to be low-risk. There is no obligation to sign Araujo permanently, and he can cover at both center-back and right-back, where Liverpool is currently light of options.
"At the end of the day, this shows you the desperate position Liverpool find themselves in — the fact they are taking him on shows you how desperate they are," Nicol said on ESPN.
"Ronald Araujo at his best is good. But he has not been at his best for a long, long time. Right now, he can't get a game for anybody.
"I think he came on for a minute in the World Cup for Uruguay, so yeah... forgive me if I'm not overly positive."
New Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo
New Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Araujo has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona, but he was very highly regarded earlier in his career. Last season, he spent some time on the sidelines after some high-profile mistakes.
"It happened really, really quickly, to be honest with you," Araujo said when he arrived.
"It’s a huge thanks to Liverpool for making that process so quick and for getting in touch and for their interest. I had a conversation with the sporting director and also the coach.
"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.
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"I can’t wait to get out on the field and start enjoying myself. As I say, that motivation is really there.
"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. As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly.
"As I say, I’m super-happy to be here and excited to get started. I’m glad about the interest and it was the right move at the right time."
Liverpool.com says: Araujo is not perfect, or he would still be playing for Barcelona. As a stopgap, and potentially something more, he seems to be the ideal profile.