Liverpool have been handed a boost to their hopes of signing Ronald Araujo on a permanent deal from Barcelona, with the La Liga club reportedly exploring defensive reinforcements.
The Uruguay international arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan in August. A £47m option to buy, rather than an obligation, was included in the deal. The versatile defender has impressed during his opening months as a Red.
Araujo has made 14 appearances for Liverpool so far and has been a reliable option at right-back and centre-back for Andoni Iraola, adding the defensive stability that has contributed to several important wins already. The 27-year-old also has two goals to his name, both of which have come in the Champions League.
Barcelona eyeing Castello Lukeba
Spanish publication SPORT has reported that Barcelona are interested in signing RB Leipzig star Castello Lukeba. The report claims that Lukeba, valued at £55m, has changed his representatives to Excellence Sport, whose figurehead is said to have already met with Barca sporting director Deco. His name has supposedly been discussed.
It remains to be seen whether this meeting will prompt Barcelona to make a move to sign Lukeba, with the La Liga giants said to be deciding on the defender.
What a Lukeba deal could mean for Araujo
If Barcelona do decide to bring Lukeba to the Camp Nou, it would likely increase the chances of Araujo deciding he wants a permanent exit if the Reds trigger their option, either in the summer or in January.
Barcelona sanctioned Araujo's departure, knowing they had several other centre-back options in their squad, including Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen and Alex Campos. Jules Kounde is also capable of switching from right-back to centre-back.
Liverpool, of course, have the final say on whether to exercise their option, so the only obstacle is the player himself. But if Barcelona were to be short at the back and wanted him to return, Araujo could, of course, be persuaded to head back to the Camp Nou.
Boost for Liverpool's plans
However, even if Lukeba does not sign, Barcelona's search for defensive reinforcements all but confirms that Araujo will stay a Red after his loan spell ends, giving the club a timely boost. Araujo did not feature in Liverpool's defeat to Fenerbahce in the Champions League in midweek but could return to the starting line-up for the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace this weekend.
