Darwin Nunez shares exciting news about Liverpool’s newest signing with a heartfelt message
Darwin Nunez has confirmed that centre-back Ronald Araujo is joining Liverpool by sending him a friendly message on social media.
Nunez left Liverpool last summer to play for Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, but things haven’t gone well for him there. After Al Hilal signed Karim Benzema, Nunez was taken off the league roster and is now up for sale this summer.
Al Hilal agreed to loan the Uruguay striker to Turkish club Trabzonspor for the 2026/27 season. Meanwhile, Liverpool have reached a deal to bring in Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo on loan, as reporter Fabrizio Romano shared on Friday.
Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, said on Sunday that he decided to let the 27-year-old defender leave because he doesn’t fit into his tactics. Liverpool fans have been eagerly waiting for the move to be officially announced. Araujo is expected to strengthen Liverpool’s defense alongside Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, and Giovanni Leoni.
Nunez and Araujo both play for Uruguay, and it seems Nunez has been following the news closely or even talking to Araujo. On Twitter, he wrote, “I wish you the best at this great club, friend. I’m really happy you can feel the love and support from LFC fans—they’re special and will make you feel at home. Now you’re a Red too! Always wishing you the best ¡VAMO ARRIBA!” He ended his message with a heart and prayer emoji.
Araujo’s loan deal with Liverpool will last until the end of the season, with an option to buy for around £55 million. However, The Times’ Paul Joyce mentioned that Liverpool don’t see him as a long-term signing but value him as an important part of the squad while other defenders recover from injuries.
Joe Gomez has a muscle injury, and Conor Bradley is out long-term with an ACL injury, leaving Liverpool short on defenders. Right now, Jeremie Frimpong is the only available right-back, so the team might have to play some players out of position.
Araujo mainly plays as a central defender but can also cover right-back if needed. He earns about £300,000 a week at Barcelona, and Liverpool have offered to pay his full wages. That would make him the second-highest earner at Liverpool after Virgil van Dijk, but the cost is balanced because Liverpool won’t have to pay a transfer fee to Barcelona.