Ronald Araujo is set to join Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona, with the transfer yet to be officially confirmed. The Uruguay international's arrival is expected to ease defensive concerns for Andoni Iraola as Liverpool prepare for their Premier League opener against Newcastle United in under two weeks.
Defensive versatility and buy option
The 27-year-old can play as a central defender or right-back. Liverpool will have a £47 million option to make the move permanent next summer if the loan proves successful.
However, Araujo's Barcelona team-mate Fermin Lopez is hoping that won't happen. Speaking to Spanish publication Sport, Lopez said: "He (Araujo) has come to say goodbye. It's a shame, because he's a captain and I have a good relationship with him. He made the decision to continue developing and I hope he comes back next season."
Barcelona career and struggles
Araujo has spent the past eight years at Barcelona and has worn the captain's armband at the Nou Camp since being appointed in January. Yet he struggled to secure a regular starting spot, managing just 16 starts last season—a campaign during which he stepped away from the game for mental health reasons.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick explained his decision to allow the defender to leave: "I think Ronald is a great guy and a fantastic player. I think our style of play, that we want to play, is a little bit different. He's a player that has a lot of speed, he's physical and very strong and also with the ball he's quite good."
Flick's farewell
Flick added: "We couldn't include him like I wanted and also I think he wants to make something new. You know it more than me because in the past, something has happened, so this affected him. I saw him this morning and I said goodbye and I think he was very happy and Liverpool is also a fantastic club. I wish him all the best because he deserves it. He's a fantastic guy and fantastic player and was a great captain."
