Darwin Nunez has accidentally confirmed Ronald Araujo's move to Liverpool with a premature social media post. Araujo, 27, is set to join the Reds on a season-long loan from Barcelona, with Liverpool covering his wages in full and holding an option to sign him permanently for £47 million next summer.
Nunez's premature post
Although neither club has officially announced the transfer, Nunez shared a heartfelt message on X on Sunday evening. The striker, who plays alongside Araujo for Uruguay, wrote: "I wish you the best in this great club, friend. I'm deeply glad that you can feel what the affection and support of the LFC fans is like, they are special and they're going to make you feel it that way, now you're a red too, from afar always wishing you the best ¡VAMO ARRIBA (Let's go)!"
Flick explains Araujo's exit
Nunez's post came after Barcelona manager Hansi Flick shed light on the reasons behind Araujo's departure. "I think Ronald is a great guy and a fantastic player," Flick told reporters. "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."
"We couldn't include him like I wanted and also I think he wants to make something new. You (Barcelona journalists) 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, fantastic player and was a great captain."
Defensive boost for Liverpool
Araujo will head to Anfield to bolster Liverpool's defensive ranks amid an injury crisis at the back. Andoni Iraola's squad are desperately short of centre-half options. Joe Gomez sustained a muscle problem during pre-season, while Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni both continue their recoveries from lengthy injuries.
At right-back, where Araujo is equally capable of operating, Conor Bradley has been out since January and Jeremie Frimpong's availability remains a worry following a disrupted debut campaign at the club.
The 27-year-old is expected to finalise his transfer this week and could make his first outing when Liverpool welcome Como in their last pre-season friendly on Sunday.
