Ronald Araujo's permanent move to Liverpool could be in doubt given the transfer strategy employed by owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) at Anfield. The defender joined Liverpool on loan from Barcelona in the summer, with the Reds holding a £47million option to sign him permanently if they choose to do so.
Impressive start at Anfield
The 27-year-old has featured in all four of Liverpool's games so far this season. After impressing off the bench in his preferred centre-back position against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, Araujo caught the eye even more when handed his first two starts for the club against Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid.
Playing at right-back in both matches, Araujo helped Liverpool keep their first clean sheet of the season in a 2-0 win over the Tractor Boys before assisting Dominik Szoboszlai's equaliser in their 2-1 victory over Atleti. He is clearly enjoying his time at Anfield so far.
Player and manager speak
"Liverpool is a big club like Barcelona," the defender told Movistar. "You have to give your best and there are high expectations. I am happy, I'm working hard as you can see also on the pitch. I am happy here and hungry for more. I'm really happy to be here, because Liverpool are a great club, and I'm really looking forward to continuing to give my all so I can keep contributing to the team. I love playing in this stadium; I think it's a very special and lovely place, and when we're also able to show off all our hard work here with a good result, it makes us feel very satisfied."
While it is fair to say Araujo already feels at home, that is no guarantee the Reds will trigger his £47m clause, particularly with the defender turning 28 in March. Doing so would be somewhat out of keeping with FSG's transfer model, while Liverpool have only twice previously signed a player permanently after initially bringing them to the club on loan.
Future uncertainty
Araujo, though, has already shown a habit of defying conventions at Anfield. According to the Liverpool Echo, there is considerable doubt over Araujo's future on Merseyside, despite Barcelona deeming him surplus to requirements.
"I think he needed this kind of change," Reds boss Andoni Iraola previously said. "[He] has come with humility, is coming from also a big club, experienced player. We need you right-back, we need you centre-back, if we need him in every other position, I think he's ready to do it. Physically also, he's played probably more minutes than we expected, being so early in the season, and he's showing [he is] robust. It is still early but he's finishing the games in a good place physically – he's not cramping. I like his spirit."
