Liverpool have agreed a surprise season-long loan deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo, with an option to make the move permanent next summer.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Friday that both clubs had reached a verbal agreement, with Barcelona sporting director Deco sanctioning the move. The deal is now in its final documentation phase ahead of the Uruguayan’s arrival at Anfield.
The loan includes a non-mandatory purchase option, affording Liverpool the flexibility to secure Araújo permanently at the end of the campaign. The 27-year-old’s versatility—capable of playing both centrally and at right-back—is understood to have been a decisive factor for manager Andoni Iraola, who is seeking to reinforce his backline following Ibrahima Konaté’s departure and ongoing injury concerns among his centre-backs.
Araújo arrives with an enviable pedigree, having amassed over 200 appearances for Barcelona since his 2018 arrival. His trophy haul at the Camp Nou includes La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, and he has captained the Catalan side on numerous occasions.
His exit marks a notable shift in Barcelona’s defensive strategy, notwithstanding the long-term contract extension he signed earlier in his career. The transfer is expected to be formally ratified within the next 24 hours, subject to the completion of final paperwork.