A report claims that Ronald Araujo would prefer to return to Barcelona rather than make his move to Liverpool permanent, but the Reds’ ‘door is effectively open’ if he decides to extend his Anfield story.
The Uruguayan joined the Reds on loan in July, but Liverpool have an option-to-buy clause in the loan agreement with Barcelona, which allows them to make his move to Anfield permanent for a £47m fee (£55m). This might not be possible, though, despite reports that Liverpool would be keen to sign the 27-year-old centre-back long-term.
Araujo would only consider staying at Liverpool if he was personally told by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick that he is no longer in Barcelona’s plans for the long-term future.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool “have plans to hold talks with Araujo in the New Year to discuss his situation and understand how he feels about potentially remaining at Anfield.”
The report states: ‘The priority at Liverpool is therefore to ensure Araujo remains settled and focused on his performances, with the club’s door effectively open should he decide that Merseyside is where he wants to continue his career.
“However, speaking to sources close to Araujo’s camp, we understand the defender does not currently regard his Barcelona career as finished.
“Araujo remains open to the possibility of returning to the Nou Camp, but the stance of Flick will be crucial to that decision.
“If the Barcelona boss makes it clear that Araujo will once again have an important role within his plans, the player would consider returning.
“If there is no such indication, however, we understand Araujo is expected to leave Barcelona in 2027 and look for a permanent move elsewhere, with Liverpool naturally positioned as one of the clubs who could benefit from that situation.”
Liverpool should keep Araujo: He’s perfect for us
It’s hard to make an argument for letting Araujo leave.
The Uruguayan has the heart, fight, passion, talent and physical attributes to play for Liverpool. Some players are just built for the Premier League, and Araujo is one of them. Not only is he powerful and physically robust to cope with the amount of football English clubs play, but he also has the technical skill and talent to be a genuine difference-maker in big games.
I understand his connection to Barcelona and desire to finish that story on a more positive note than being sent out on loan at 27, but Liverpool is a match made in heaven for him. He has received and will receive the adoration that he did not get in Catalonia, and will have the same chances for European success at Anfield as at the Nou Camp.
After the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid, I wrote that Araujo is too good to be allowed to return to Barcelona, and only a drastic turn of events will change my mind before the end of the season.
Araujo “energised” by Liverpool transfer after decision to take extra English lessons
Encouragingly, Araujo is “energised” by his move to Anfield, according to James Pearce for The Athletic, with the centre-back taking extra English lessons on top of the ones mandated by and done with the club.
In the wake of Liverpool’s win over Atleti, Pearce wrote: “Sources close to the player — speaking anonymously as they did not have permission to talk — say he feels energised by a change of scenery and a fresh challenge.
“He recently moved into a house a short drive from Liverpool’s training complex with wife Abigail and their two daughters. He has also hired an English tutor so he now has extra lessons at home on top of those he’s having at the club.
“In the dressing room, he has established a close bond with Mac Allister and Victor Munoz, helped by the fact they both speak Spanish. There’s also a strong connection with Alisson, who he speaks Portuguese with.”