Liverpool have surprised everyone by agreeing to loan a top-class centre-back.
Liverpool have surprised everyone by signing a top-quality centre-back on loan, as Andoni Iraola aims to strengthen his defence.
With Joe Gomez out due to a muscle injury in pre-season and Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni still recovering, Iraola only has one fully fit first-team centre-back — Virgil van Dijk — and there are just over two weeks until Liverpool’s Premier League season starts against Newcastle United on August 23.
The Reds are still linked with PSG players Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, but the clubs haven’t agreed on a price yet. PSG wants £145 million for Barcola, which is a big sum.
Iraola has already signed Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna this summer, and now it looks like Liverpool will also bring in a La Liga centre-back. Famous journalist Fabrizio Romano shared big news on Friday evening, August 7.
Romano revealed that Liverpool have agreed to a season-long loan for Uruguayan centre-back Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, with a verbal deal already approved by Barcelona’s sporting director. He said, “Ronald Araujo will join Liverpool, it’s all done and documents being signed in 24 hours. The loan deal includes a buy option, but it’s up to Liverpool whether they want to use it. Barcelona has given the green light.”
Araujo, 27, played 24 times in La Liga last season and helped Barcelona win the league title under coach Hansi Flick. He has also won two other league titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and three Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona. He has 27 caps for Uruguay and played in this summer’s World Cup.
Fans quickly shared their thoughts on social media. One said, “It’s a strange choice; he lacks pace and struggles with Barcelona’s high defensive line. But he’s good in the air and strong. He might actually do well in the Premier League.” Another fan added, “Araujo fits what Liverpool needs — an experienced centre-back who can also cover at right-back since the full-backs seem fragile. But he hasn’t performed at the level many expected, and now he’s more of a backup at Barcelona.”
A third fan wrote, “I’m fine with the Araujo loan. It’s an emergency signing for the short term. He can play both centre-back and right-back. He’ll add depth but isn’t a first-choice starter when everyone is fit.”
Another fan said, “Araujo could turn out to be a smart signing or it might show that this transfer window hasn’t been planned well for Liverpool, who have a lot to sort out.”