Ronald Araujo has impressed Liverpool fans and staff alike since making a loan move to Anfield in the summer, which could be made permanent before his £47m option-to-buy clause expires.
There’s a wisdom in football that it’s never smart to fall in love with a loan player, but that’s exactly what’s happening on Merseyside with Araujo.
The difference is that Liverpool have the option to make his move to the club permanent with a €55m (£47m) clause included in the loan agreement with Barcelona.
It’s a pity for Barca fans that Hansi Flick’s system doesn’t suit him, because he’s a terrific player. Full of fight and passion, he’s perfect for Liverpool.
The Uruguayan was used at right back by Andoni Iraola in the 2-0 win over Ipswich Town, winning the most duels of any Liverpool player. There are now calls online for his move to right back to be made permanent, and not just because he’s a much better defender than Jeremie Frimpong.
There might be some limitations to his game going forward, but Liverpool looked so much more stable in defence that it gave the likes of Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai more freedom to risk the ball in the attacking third, knowing that Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk were unlikely to be beaten at the back.
Not to mention Alisson Becker.
So to hear reports that Liverpool are already considering making Araujo’s move to Anfield permanent is music to my ears.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Liverpool “are in love with Araujo.”
They report: “Liverpool are in love with Ronald Araujo. Despite playing only three official matches, the club’s hierarchy already believes signing him was the right decision. Both the coaching staff and directors are extremely satisfied with his performances.”
? Liverpool are in love with Ronald Araujo.
Despite playing only three official matches, the club’s hierarchy already believes signing him was the right decision.
Both the coaching staff and directors are extremely satisfied with his performances.
Via @BarcaUniversal, @sport pic.twitter.com/3QnpiLbLN4
— Anfield Agenda (@AnfieldAgenda) September 6, 2026
SPORT adds: “Liverpool are delighted with Ronald Araujo and very satisfied with the performances of the Uruguayan at the beginning of the campaign. If it continues like this, a purchase attempt at the end of the season would not be unreasonable.”
???? Liverpool are delighted with Ronald Araujo and very satisfied with the performances of the Uruguayan at the beginning of the campaign.
If it continues like this, a purchase attempt at the end of the season would not be unreasonable, reports @sport. pic.twitter.com/ogI88lIwVW
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) September 6, 2026
Hopefully we get to see Araujo at right back against Atletico Madrid – a team he is familiar with after seven years in La Liga.