Liverpool have moved to address their defensive concerns by agreeing a loan deal for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan will undergo a medical on Sunday before finalising the move, which includes an option to make the transfer permanent.
Defensive Depth Addressed
The Reds have been short at centre-back, with only Virgil van Dijk fully fit. Summer signing Jeremy Jacquet is nursing a shoulder injury, and Ibrahima Konate's departure left a gap in the squad. Araujo's arrival provides immediate cover for manager Andoni Iraola.
Araujo is set to join on an initial one-year loan, with Liverpool holding an option to buy for €55 million (£47.1m). The 27-year-old was absent from Barcelona's squad for their triangular tournament matches against Nottingham Forest and Udinese on Saturday, and footage showed him leaving the club's training ground, thanking fans who had gathered to see him off.
PSG Winger Pursuit
Liverpool are also pursuing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, though the deal is complex due to PSG's £145m valuation, which the Reds are unwilling to meet. An alternative target is PSG's 18-year-old Senegalese winger Ibrahim Mbaye, who impressed at the World Cup.
However, Liverpool's chances of signing one of these players could improve if Barcelona's Ferran Torres completes a move to PSG. Reports indicate Torres has told Barcelona he wants the switch, with personal terms already agreed. Torres's departure could free up space at PSG, potentially allowing Barcola or Mbaye to leave.
