Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo to help ease a defensive injury crisis.
According to widespread reports, the Reds have agreed a deal with the LaLiga champions to bring the Uruguay international in on a season-long loan. Furthermore, it's understood that Liverpool will have the option to sign Araujo permanently next summer should the 27-year-old impress.
Defensive woes
Andoni Iraola's side have moved for defensive reinforcements following the departure of Ibrahima Konate as well as subsequent injuries to Jeremy Jacquet and Joe Gomez, leaving captain Virgil van Dijk as the only fit senior centre-back at the moment.
"Joe has a muscle injury. I think it was quite clear since he complained straight away, so it will depend how he evolves, but he will be some weeks off," Iraola said. "It's a muscle injury and [with] muscle injuries it is difficult to say one day, but normally I always put myself as one month."
"If it goes very good the injury is a little bit less, if [not] it goes a little more. It's not massive, it's a normal muscle injury, [but] I think it's going to be impossible to have him for the start of the season because we are not so far [away]. It shouldn't be a lot more."
"With Jeremy we still don't know if it's worth it or not to put him in against Leeds. He did the first part of the pre-season, let's say, very well. Now he's feeling some discomfort, so we don't want to rush him."
"He comes from a lot of months without playing. And obviously I would like to try with him with Virgil [van Dijk] when he recovers, because with the injury of Joe we've been without senior centre-backs. But we have to be careful with Jeremy, yes."
Experience and leadership
Liverpool are also getting a leader with plenty of experience as in January 2026, Araujo was appointed Barcelona captain following the departure of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and he has made over 200 appearances for the club.
If all goes to plan, Araujo will become the second signing of the Iraola era after Spanish forward Victor Munoz arrived from Osasuna for £34.5million earlier in the summer.
Liverpool are still open for more business, with Iraola keen to bring in at least one more winger amid links to Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahima Mbaye.
The Reds are said to have opened talks with PSG for Barcola, but the sticking point is the transfer fee with the French giants standing form on their £145m valuation.
