Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool and Barcelona have now exchanged all the necessary documents for Araújo’s transfer, with everything signed ahead of his unveiling as a Liverpool player.
The Uruguay international will join on a season-long loan, giving Andoni Iraola an experienced and physically dominant option at a time when Liverpool badly need defensive reinforcements. The move also carries relatively little long-term risk because Liverpool will have the choice, rather than the obligation, to make Araújo’s stay permanent next summer. His arrival comes after Ibrahima Konaté left for Real Madrid and injuries reduced Iraola’s available options at centre-back. According to Sky Sports, Liverpool have an option to purchase Araújo for approximately €55 million (£47.1m) next summer.
The Merseyside outfit have been desperate to bring in a new centre-back after Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid on a free transfer. Joe Gomez has suffered a muscle problem, Giovanni Leoni is recovering from an ACL injury and summer arrival Jérémy Jacquet has yet to feature during pre-season following shoulder surgery. With defenders Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, and Giovanni Leoni all out injured, the Barca man’s arrival is a timely one.
The Uruguay international still has five years left on his Barca contract but only made 11 league starts last season, as Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin were often preferred to the former Boston River player. Araujo was clearly struggling on and off the pitch, as last December, he was granted a leave of absence to prioritise his mental health.
“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 and fantastic player and was a great captain.”
Meanwhile, journalist Diego Torres Romano has revealed that Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola sought advice from Virgil van Dijk regarding the Uruguayan international before making the move. Romano revealed on X: “Iraola asked Van Dijk for his opinion on Araujo. Van Dijk told him that for him, he was the best ball-playing centre-back in the world. And with pace, a real gem. Liverpool has the 3rd-best squad in the world and dreams of signing Araujo. FCB isn’t in the top-10 and considers him useless.”