Liverpool have agreed a loan deal with an option to buy for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds’ centre-back options have been depleted by injuries, leaving captain Virgil van Dijk as the only senior central defender.
They have been linked with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, but his £60 million valuation is said to be prohibitive for the club.
Liverpool have now decided to sign Araujo on a loan deal. The Uruguay international is set to become their third signing this summer.
Araujo’s game is built on physicality, recovery pace and defensive solidity.
However, he has fallen down the pecking order at Barcelona in the past two seasons and has not impressed when given opportunities.
Araujo has also lost his place in Uruguay’s starting line-up, although he was named in their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Among centre-backs in Europe’s top seven leagues last season, he ranked in the third percentile for defensive duels won percentage and the 15th percentile for defensive duel success.
He fared considerably better in his aerial contests, ranking in the 71st percentile for that metric.
Araujo ranked 59th for progressive passes completed and 85th for progressive carries, suggesting that he remains comfortable with the ball at his feet.
His potential arrival has divided the Liverpool fan base, but manager Andoni Iraola will be hoping the Rentistas academy graduate rediscover his best form.
Araujo is expected to provide cover for Van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet, who are poised to be the first-choice centre-back pairing.
He coud also stand in for Jeremy Frimpong at right-back pending Conor Bradley’s return from injury.
Stats from Sofascore
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