Ronald Araujo has described his move to Liverpool as the 'ideal' step in his career, revealing that a frank conversation with head coach Andoni Iraola convinced him to join. The Uruguay centre-back has signed a season-long loan deal with the Reds, which includes an option to make the move permanent next summer.
Deal details and first words
Liverpool confirmed the signing on Monday evening after all parties reached an agreement over the weekend. Araujo accepted a wage reduction to facilitate the transfer, with Liverpool covering his full wages and paying no loan fee. The deal includes an option, not an obligation, to buy the defender for £47 million next summer.
Speaking for the first time as a Liverpool player, Araujo said: "I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take. As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly."
Quick process and Iraola's influence
The 27-year-old praised the speed of the transfer, saying: "It happened really, really quickly, to be honest with you. It's a huge thanks to Liverpool for making that process so quick and for getting in touch and for their interest."
Araujo also revealed that a conversation with Iraola left him without any doubts. "The first thing that struck me is that it was a very sincere, frank and honest conversation," he said. "It was great. I was very happy to have that chat with him and it made it even more plain that I should be coming here. He knows me well, he knows what I'm capable of doing, so I think he knows what I can provide both on the field and off it."
Fitness and readiness
Araujo arrives at a Liverpool side that has faced defensive injuries during pre-season, with the club's recent friendly defeat to Monaco featuring Luke Chambers and Wataru Endo as the centre-back pairing. However, Araujo is confident in his physical condition after participating in Barcelona's pre-season programme.
"Off the back of the World Cup, I had two weeks' break but since then I've been in pre-season training with Barcelona and, to be fair, that's been a decent pace and rhythm," he said. "I'm feeling good at the moment, I'm feeling in shape. Obviously, we've still got almost a couple of weeks now before the league season starts here at Liverpool. That's what we're working for. I think I'll be ready, I think I'll be in good physical shape to be ready to make a start."
