Liverpool complete Ronald Araujo transfer as Fabrizio Romano confirms deal is done
Liverpool have finalised a move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, with the final step to make the move for the Uruguay international full-back official, Fabrizio Romano reports.
The Reds have been seeking additional depth at centre-back following the departure of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer to Real Madrid, as well as long-term injury issues for new signing Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
Araujo’s switch to Anfield was first announced late last week but has accelerated at a rapid pace, with the 27-year-old now poised to complete a loan switch to Andoni Iraola’s squad that will have a purchase option attached to it.
Current ETV
Ronald Araujo
D (C)
Barcelona
Ronald Araujo
D (C)
Barcelona
ETV Range
€22.8M - €27.8M
Araujo to Liverpool: A done deal, says Romano
Fabrizio Romano took to X to confirm: “Liverpool and Barcelona have exchanged all documents for Ronald Araujo deal.
“Everything signed as Araujo will soon be unveiled as new Liverpool defender.”
Romano had previously confirmed that Barcelona sporting director Deco had given the green light for the deal, which will see Liverpool cover the centre-back’s €11 million annual wage.
Is Ronald Araujo a good signing for Liverpool?
Araujo arrives at Liverpool with a reputation for being an excellent defender on his day, but a liability when not at his peak.
“Look, it’s a mixture of the best and the worst, isn’t it?” Jamie Carragher said on the Football Ramble podcast.
“The passion is great, he goes into the tackles, but defending at this level is about decisions, concentration and reading the game.
“Too often against elite teams you disconnect, give away silly penalties or get sent off. The Premier League is relentless; a mistake and they punish you. He’s had consistency and discipline issues, and his form has dropped.”
He is, however, a strong fit for Liverpool, according to data analytics firm SciSports, which points to the deal being a success.
Anfield Watch’s Bence Bocsak says that he is optimistic that Araujo can be an effective stop-gap signing for Liverpool for the season ahead, but that does not necessarily mean he is in Liverpool’s long-term plans.
“Ronald Araujo is like the Darwin Nunez of centre-backs,” he said. “He’s got everything to be a top defender. On his day, he is unplayable.
“However, he can also be rash, make poor decisions and let emotions impact his performances. He is inconsistent.
“That being said, I don’t expect him to start. He has a lot of experience. And he can play as an right-back as well.
“It’s also just a loan deal. I don’t mind it as a stop gap.
“In 12 months’ time Geovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet will be more than ready hopefully - not to mention Ndiaye and Ndukwe as well.”
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