Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has previously spoken highly of Ronald Araujo, who is on the verge of joining the Reds on loan from Barcelona. The move is intended to address Liverpool's defensive shortage, with Virgil van Dijk currently the only senior centre-back available to manager Andoni Iraola.
Araujo's Versatility and Medical
Araujo, who can play both centre-back and right-back, is set to undergo a medical on Sunday. The loan deal includes a buy option, as reported by the Liverpool ECHO. The 27-year-old was part of Uruguay's World Cup squad this summer but did not feature due to a calf problem.
Nunez's Endorsement
Nunez, a close friend and international teammate, praised Araujo's character in an interview with AUFTV in May 2025: "Ronald, well, he's been my friend for a long time. He's a very humble person, he comes from the same background as me, he also has the same characteristics as me, we both come from towns that are very far from the city of Montevideo." He added, "This is a humble person, a cheerful person, a family man and a good friend."
Nunez previously showed his support for Araujo in 2022, when Araujo's World Cup participation was in doubt due to a thigh injury requiring surgery. Before a friendly against Canada in September 2022, Nunez displayed a Uruguay shirt bearing Araujo's name. Araujo was named in the squad but did not play as Uruguay were eliminated in the group stage.
Araujo's Career at Barcelona
Araujo became Barcelona club captain in January following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's loan exit. He helped the Catalan club win the La Liga title, featuring in 24 league matches. Having joined Barcelona B from Boston River in 2018, Araujo has made 213 appearances for the club, winning three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.
