Liverpool have unveiled the signing of Barcelona and Uruguay defender Ronald Araújo on a season-long loan move with an option to buy, but the clause is not mandatory.
“Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign defender Ronald Araujo on loan from FC Barcelona for the 2026-27 season, subject to a successful work permit application and international clearance.
The experienced Uruguay international will join the Reds having made more than 200 appearances for the La Liga side.”
With the departure of Ibrahima Konaté and uncertainty surrounding Joe Gomez, Liverpool have moved quickly to fill the void while they continue to search for the perfect long-term fit for the position.
Ronald Araújo joined Barcelona from Boston River in Uruguay. Barcelona signed him on 29 August 2018, initially for Barça B, after he had spent one season with Boston River in Uruguay’s top flight.
Araújo has contributed to three Spanish top-flight triumphs since joining Barcelona in 2018, including the most recent season, and was appointed club captain earlier this year. He made his senior debut in 2019 and has since featured more than 200 times for the La Liga champions, winning three La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys and three Spanish Super Cups.
Araújo has also earned 27 international caps for Uruguay, scoring once.
During his unveiling, he said:
“I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy,” 27-year-old 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.”
While the deal is now sealed for Liverpool, it is understood that the club are also interested in strengthening their attack and are heavily linked with French and PSG winger Bradley Barcola.
