Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has backed his old club to make a permanent move for on-loan Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo of Liverpool
Ronald Araujo of Liverpool(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Liverpool are being expected to sign Ronald Araujo on a permanent transfer - and have been told to hold fire on signing a new right-back in the immediate future.
Araujo has proven a huge success since arriving during the summer on a season-long loan from Barcelona, particularly when acting as cover on the right side of defence.
The 27-year-old has featured in all 13 games so far this campaign under new head coach Andoni Iraola, and has claimed two goals an an assist in three Champions League outings.
Having featured at centre-back in Wednesday's dramatic Carabao Cup win over Chelsea, Araujo is likely to once again shift to right-back when Premier League champions Arsenal visit on Sunday afternoon.
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And former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes the Reds will trigger their £47million option to sign the Uruguay international on a permanent deal.
“You can tell when he’s playing at right-back that he’s not a natural right-back, but he’s quick, strong and willing to do a job for his team," said Johnson.
"I’d be surprised if Liverpool don’t want to sign him permanently because he’s proving that as well as being a good centre-back, he can also deputise as a right-back.
"He has the right-back position for a reason at the moment and he’s doing a fantastic job. Long-term, I don’t think he’s a right-back, but I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen so far.”
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Araujo has been filling in at right-back with Jeremie Frimpong out until after the November international break and Conor Bradley yet to return having been sidelined since January with a serious knee injury.
And Johnson has called on Liverpool to wait on Bradley before determining any possible move to bolster the position in the transfer market.
Speaking to Betfred, he said: “I’d see how Conor Bradley is when he returns from injury because I had no doubt that he was going to be the club’s first choice right-back until he got that horrible injury, so my first question would be how fit is he? How soon is he going to be back to full fitness?
"Because if it’s soon, then Liverpool don’t need to sign anyone because having him with Ronald Araujo backing him up would be spot on.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Ronald Araujo of Liverpool celebrates after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on October 25, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Ronald Araujo celebrates after Liverpool's win over Brighton (Jan Kruger/Getty Images)