Ronald Araujo set to undergo Liverpool medical ahead of surprised loan move
Araujo can also provide cover at right-back for Jeremie Frimpong, with Conor Bradley set to miss the opening months of the 2026-27 season due to a knee injury
Liverpool are set to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan deal.
The Merseyside club expect the 27-year-old to travel to England on Sunday for a medical. The deal will include an option to buy, according to The Athletic.
Primarily a centre-back, Araujo can also provide cover at right-back for Jeremie Frimpong, with Conor Bradley set to miss the opening months of the 2026-27 season due to a knee injury.
Liverpool are short of defensive options, with Giovanni Leoni recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and Joe Gomez sidelined by a muscular problem. Ibrahima Konate also left the club this summer to join Real Madrid as a free agent.
Ronald Araujo has made 213 first-team appearances for Barcelona since joining from Boston River in 2019. He was part of Uruguay’s squad at this summer’s World Cup but did not feature as they exited at the group stage.
Liverpool’s defensive problems have forced head coach Andoni Iraola to rely on young defenders during pre-season.
Luke Chambers has also deputised at centre-back, with Iraola admitting that his squad is “thin” in defence.
Araujo’s experience and versatility would provide valuable depth, particularly with Bradley, Gomez, Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet unavailable or short of match fitness.
The Uruguay international had expected to remain an important player at Barcelona, but his situation changed after a meeting with manager Hansi Flick.
The German reportedly informed Araujo that he would receive playing time but would not have a key role in the team.
Liverpool moved quickly to take advantage of the situation, agreeing to cover Araujo’s wages as part of the loan deal.
His departure will also leave Barcelona needing to reassess their defensive options, with the club now expected to consider another centre-back signing.
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