Andoni Iraola pushing for decision on Liverpool defender

Andoni Iraola’s start to life at Liverpool has been somewhat hit and miss.

The Reds are yet to taste defeat under the Spaniard, but there is certainly still a lot of work to do before they are back competing on all fronts.

One of the biggest improvements seen so far under the 44-year-old has been Liverpool’s defence, with Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk looking like a world class partnership.

One of the Reds’ more surprising summer additions has also made a big splash, Roanld Araujo.

The Uruguayan has already made a massive impact at Anfield, and discussions will no doubt be underway over the 27-year-old’s future.

Decision to be made on Araujo clause

When Araujo swapped Barcelona for Merseyside this summer, he joined on an initial loan with a €55 million (~£47m) option to buy, a clause that the Reds are reportedly already considering.

The defender has been a stand out performer, both in the centre of the backline and also playing at right-back – where he has now become the preferred starter.

According to a report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Araujo’s performances so far this campaign may have been good enough for Iraola and Liverpool’s recruitment team to start considering whether they will trigger their option to buy.

“His performance has reinforced the feeling that the loan can become more than just a temporary solution for Iraola’s team,” The report reads.

Araujo will be 28 by the end of the season, making him older than the profile of player the Reds typically target, but if he can continue to assert himself as one of Iraola’s most important players then the €55m fee will feel like a no-brainer.

As it stands Van Dijk is set to leave Anfield on a free transfer next summer, so having an experienced leader such has Araujo around at the club could massively ease the transition once the legendary captain departs.

The Reds have until the summer to make a decision on the future of Araujo, but if things continue the way they are then the Uruguayan could be sticking around for a while.