Liverpool will face a big call next summer, and one of their arrivals his summer is strengthening the case for spending with every passing week.
Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola
Liverpool will face a big call next summer, and one of their August arrivals is strengthening the case for spending with every passing week.
When the Reds moved for defensive cover in August, the deal looked like a stopgap.
Ibrahima Konate had left for Real Madrid, Conor Bradley was sidelined by a serious knee injury and Andoni Iraola was short of options.
Two months on, it is starting to look like one of the smartest pieces of business of the summer.
Ronald Araujo has started eight of Liverpool’s ten games under Iraola, splitting his time between right back and centre back.
The former Barcelona captain has adapted quickly to the demands of playing on the flank, and he has offered a threat at the other end too.
In the Champions League, he set up a goal on his debut against Atletico Madrid.
He then headed in a Kostas Tsimikas corner to open the scoring in the six goal rout of LASK.
On Tuesday, he nodded in Rio Ngumoha’s cross on the stroke of half time to level against Villarreal, and Liverpool went on to win by four goals to three.
That gives Araujo three goal involvements in three European appearances.
Iraola said the Uruguayan needed a change of scene and had arrived with humility, willing to play wherever he was asked.
Araujo sounds settled too, saying he has found the chance “to play, feel important, and show my football.”
Liverpool and Barcelona already have an agreement in place that fixes the fee at £47 million, roughly €55 million, should the Reds make the move permanent.
The same report says Araujo is already picturing a longer stay on Merseyside, and sources close to the player insist the feeling is mutual.
Liverpool have also arranged daily English lessons to help him settle.
The clause is not mandatory, as Liverpool paid no loan fee but cover his full salary until 30 June 2027, and Araujo also accepted a pay cut to make the switch happen.
He remains under contract at Barcelona until 2031.
MARCA reports the Catalan club are already eyeing the windfall to sign an experienced defender for their young back line.
Liverpool will most likely not rush the decision and this is because they also hold an option to bring Jarell Quansah back from Bayer Leverkusen, and £47 million is a serious outlay for a player who will be 28 by the time any deal goes through.
Even so, Bradley is still working his way back and Jeremie Frimpong is nursing a fresh muscle injury.
A defender who can cover both positions at this level carries real value.
Araujo made 213 appearances and scored 14 goals for Barcelona, winning three La Liga titles.
On current evidence, Liverpool would be paying for a proven winner who has rediscovered his best football.
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