Romano names Liverpool’s purchase option price for Barcelona defender

Barcelona’s deal with Liverpool over Ronald Araujo has come from nowhere, but we’re already getting significant details.

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In the middle of August, in a summer truncated by the World Cup, you can just open Fabrizio Romano’s Twitter feed almost any hour and get an update on a significant transfer (albeit not usually a significant update on a transfer).

Today, from nowhere, there’s news of Ronald Araujo joining Liverpool. The transfer guru Tweeted about it this morning, and he’s back this afternoon with more information.

Ronald Araujo a gamble worth taking for Liverpool

The initial report from the transfer guru was just that it was a loan option for the centre back to join the Reds. Then we heard it was a loan with a buy option. Now we know the price: €55m.

Romano says it’s “not mandatory,” and that Liverpool will be covering Araujo’s full salary. There is presumably also a pretty hefty loan fee included.

It’s an interesting deal – Araujo is a good player on his day, but has been hit by injuries over the years. Liverpool are taking a risk here, without doubt. But the deal is nicely set up – if he stays fit and delivers, that’s a good price for a top player.

It’s a risk, however. If Aruajo has another injury hit season, the Reds could rue not moving for someone more reliable.

Meanwhile Barcelona get the Uruguayan’s wages off their books and can use those funds elsewhere, perhaps in the deal to sign Rodri from Manchester City.

??? Ronald Araujo doesn’t travel with Barça squad today as he’s flying to Liverpool tomorrow for medical tests.

The buy option clause worth €55m (as per @ffpolo) for June 2027 is not mandatory, while #LFC will cover full salary. pic.twitter.com/GSHV37QMN7

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2026