Alisson has been fined by the FA, while Ronald Araujo has been the subject of talk from Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco.
Barcelona “don’t know” if Ronald Araujo will return
It has only taken two starts for Araujo to become a popular figure among Liverpool supporters, thanks to his rugged defensive style and brilliant work ethic.
The Reds signed the Barcelona captain on loan as cover at centre-half and right-back, but his strong early impression has have already led to speculation over a permanent move.
Liverpool have the option to buy Araujo for £47 million next summer, a topic Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, was asked about.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool's Ronald Araújo reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atlético Madrid at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking on RAC 1, Deco said: “Sometimes ideas don’t coincide, the player’s moment and sometimes it is good to look for an exit – that also helps you.
“I don’t know (if he will come back), let’s see. He has a contract with us; it’s very early still.
“He’s a player that we have a lot of respect for and I would tell you plenty of affection, not only us as a club, but also the changing room.
“So from here, let’s see. It’s a topic for the future.”
It is highly unlikely any decision is made for a while, but if Araujo were to maintain his excellent form, you would expect both clubs to be interested in having him on board.
The only point that could make Liverpool reluctant is the fact that they have rarely paid such a sum for a player who will be 28 years old next year.
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Andoni Iraola hails ‘underrated’ Ronald Araujo quality – “even better” vs. Atletico
Liverpool’s Festive Fixtures Revealed
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 22, 2012: A Liverpool supporter dressed as Father Christmas (Santa Claus, St Nicholas) during the Premiership match against Fulham at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 22, 2012: A Liverpool supporter dressed as Father Christmas (Santa Claus, St Nicholas) during the Premiership match against Fulham at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Hull (A) – Saturday, Dec 26, 5.30pm – Sky Sports
Aston Villa (A) – Wednesday, Dec 30, 8.15pm – Sky Sports
Coventry (H) – Saturday, Jan 2, 3pm – Not on UK TV
Sunderland (A) – Tuesday, Jan 5, 8.15pm – Sky Sports
*All times GMT.
In other Liverpool news: Bhatia at Anfield & Alisson fined
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - Friday, September 4, 2026: Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker during the FA Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Liverpool FC at Portman Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Alisson has been fined £8,000 by the FA for his conduct after Liverpool’s draw against Forest at home – if you remember, he kicked the subs board in frustration
• The goalkeeper has not been included in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming international break, but he is still their No. 1 – that saves him long trips to Australia and India!
• The new vice-chairman of Liverpool, Amit Bhatia was back at Anfield to watch Liverpool beat Atletico, indicating he is going to be a very hands-on director
• The mother of Samuel Martinez has said Liverpool were one of “30 teams,” including Man United, Man City and Barca, vying for his signature – the 17-year-old will arrive for £750,000 next year from Atletico Nacional
• The original This Is Anfield sign has sold for a massive £138,000 at auction, with the Arc Hotel, Anfield Road outbidding even the club
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After Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, Danny Gallagher recapped the game’s main talking points as Iraola showed his tactical nous to help turn the game around:
“The Liverpool boss once again stuck with his guns on dropping Ryan Gravenberch to the bench, while rewarding Ronald Araujo for his full-back exploits against Ipswich with another starting spot.
“The former Barcelona captain put in a solid performance with a stunning assist to boot, and it should also be noted that Iraola made a point of bringing on Jeremie Frimpong as a winger rather than defensive back up.
“There is a feeling that the manager will only give out so many chances before rotating his team entirely.”
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Liverpool 2-1 Atletico: 5 talking points as Mac Allister proves point for bold Iraola
Football News: Pochettino wants 2017 title & Arteta close to contract
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 30, 2014: Tottenham Hotspur's manager Mauricio Pochettino during the Premier League match against Everton at White Hart Lane. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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• Mauricio Pochettino believes Tottenham should have been awarded the 2017 Premier League title because the only team above them were Chelsea, whom the league found made undisclosed payments to players and agents (Sky Sports)
• Mikel Arteta is close to signing a new contract at Arsenal, with his deal expiring at the end of the season (BBC)
• As well as talking about Araujo, Deco also explained why Barca replaced Marcus Rashford with Anthony Gordon, saying that the new man’s “style fits with what the coach is looking for” (RAC 1)
Football – FA Premier League – Liverpool FC v Nottingham Forest FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Víctor Muñoz celebrates on his debut with team-mates Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Kostas Tsimikas after scoring his side's second and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool U19’s Luca Eden during the UEFA Youth League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC Under-19’s and Atlético Madrid Under-19’s at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Liverpool U19’s Luca Eden during the UEFA Youth League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC Under-19’s and Atlético Madrid Under-19’s at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – FA Cup 3rd Round Replay – Plymouth Argyle FC v Liverpool FC
PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 18, 2017: Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Oviemuno Ovie Ejaria inspect the pitch before the FA Cup 3rd Round Replay match against Plymouth Argyle at Home Park. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)