Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has backed his old club to make a permanent move for on-loan Ronald Araujo, while urging patience on signing a new right-back in the immediate future.
Araujo has been a success since arriving during the summer on a season-long loan from Barcelona, particularly when covering on the right side of defence. The 27-year-old has featured in all 13 games so far this campaign under new head coach Andoni Iraola, scoring two goals and providing an assist in three Champions League outings.
Having played at centre-back in Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over Chelsea, Araujo is likely to shift to right-back when Premier League champions Arsenal visit on Sunday afternoon.
Johnson's verdict on permanent deal
Johnson believes Liverpool will trigger their £47million option to sign the Uruguay international on a permanent deal.
"You can tell when he's playing at right-back that he's not a natural right-back, but he's quick, strong and willing to do a job for his team," said Johnson. "I'd be surprised if Liverpool don't want to sign him permanently because he's proving that as well as being a good centre-back, he can also deputise as a right-back."
"He has the right-back position for a reason at the moment and he's doing a fantastic job. Long-term, I don't think he's a right-back, but I've been very impressed with what I've seen so far."
Waiting on Conor Bradley's return
Araujo has been filling in at right-back with Jeremie Frimpong out until after the November international break and Conor Bradley yet to return after being sidelined since January with a serious knee injury.
Johnson has called on Liverpool to wait on Bradley before deciding on any possible move to bolster the position in the transfer market. Speaking to Betfred, he said: "I'd see how Conor Bradley is when he returns from injury because I had no doubt that he was going to be the club's first choice right-back until he got that horrible injury, so my first question would be how fit is he? How soon is he going to be back to full fitness?"
"Because if it's soon, then Liverpool don't need to sign anyone because having him with Ronald Araujo backing him up would be spot on."
