Ronald Araujo agrees pay cut to seal Liverpool loan move from Barcelona

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of centre-back Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The Merseyside club have an option to make the move permanent for €55million (£47.1m).

Liverpool have not paid a loan fee but will cover Araujo’s wages, with the defender taking a pay cut to facilitate the move, according to The Athletic.

Araujo underwent his medical on Sunday and is expected to join Liverpool training this week.

Liverpool were attracted to the deal by the Uruguay international’s leadership, experience and versatility. He can also play at right-back, giving Andoni Iraola another option in defence.

Liverpool remain interested in strengthening their attack, with a winger still a priority. They have stepped up their interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola but are yet to agree a fee for the France international.

Araujo’s arrival comes at a time when Liverpool are short of defensive options. Ibrahima Konate left as a free agent for Real Madrid, while Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined with an ACL injury and Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of the season with a muscular problem.

Jeremy Jacquet, who joined from Rennes this summer, has also been unavailable due to a knee issue. He is expected to return against Como at Anfield next Sunday.

Araujo joined Barcelona from Boston River in January 2019 and has made 213 appearances for the club, winning La Liga three times.

The 27-year-old made 38 appearances in all competitions last season, starting 18 games. “I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy,” Araujo, who will wear No.33, told Liverpoolfc.com.

“I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going.

“I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take. As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly.

“As I say, I’m super-happy to be here and excited to get started. I’m glad about the interest and it was the right move at the right time.”