Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has expressed his hope that Liverpool-bound defender Ronald Araujo will return to the Nou Camp next summer. Araujo is set to join Liverpool on a season-long loan, with the option for the move to become permanent for £47 million.
Araujo's move to Anfield
The Uruguay international, who can play at both centre-back and right-back, will provide Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola with additional defensive options. After undergoing a medical, Araujo will link up with the Liverpool squad ahead of their season opener against Newcastle in under two weeks.
Lopez, speaking to Spanish outlet Sport, revealed that Araujo has already said his goodbyes to his Barcelona team-mates. "He has come to say goodbye," Lopez said. "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 last eight years at Barcelona and was appointed captain in January. However, he found regular game time hard to come by last season, making just 16 starts, a campaign that also saw him take a break for mental health reasons.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick explained the decision to let Araujo leave this summer. "I think Ronald is a great guy and a fantastic player," Flick said. "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."
