Liverpool have reached an unexpected agreement with Barcelona to bring defender Ronald Araujo to the club on a season-long loan. The 27-year-old, who recently signed a contract extension with Barcelona until 2031, is set to undergo a medical in the UK on Sunday before finalizing his temporary move. Araujo, who has made over 200 appearances for Barcelona since joining in 2018, will provide a much-needed boost to Liverpool's defense, which has been depleted by injuries and departures.
The Uruguayan international is primarily a central defender but can also play at right-back, addressing two problem areas for the club. Araujo's arrival will offer manager Andoni Iraola more options in defense, particularly with the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid and fitness concerns surrounding Jeremy Jacquet. Liverpool have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, but a significant valuation gap between the two clubs has made a deal challenging to complete.