Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has seemingly confirmed Ronald Araujo's move to Anfield with a post on social media. Araujo, 27, is in the process of joining the Reds on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
Liverpool, who will pay his wages in full, have the option to sign Araujo permanently for €55 million (£47m) next summer. The versatile defender's transfer is yet to be announced by either club, but Nunez went early with a post on Sunday evening.
Nunez's emotional message
The striker, who plays alongside Araujo for Uruguay, shared an emotional message on X. "I wish you the best in this great club, friend," Nunez wrote. "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)!"
Nunez's message came after Barcelona boss Hansi Flick explained the reasoning for Araujo's departure. "I think Ronald is a great guy and a fantastic player," Flick told a press conference. "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 cover
Araujo will arrive at Anfield to provide cover amid Liverpool's defensive injury crisis. Andoni Iraola's side are short of centre-back options, with Joe Gomez having picked up a muscle issue in pre-season while Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are both still recovering from long-term injuries.
At right-back, where Araujo can also play, Conor Bradley has been sidelined since January and Jeremie Frimpong's fitness remains a concern after a stop-start first season at the club. The 27-year-old is set to complete his move this week and could make his first appearance when Liverpool host Como in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday.
