Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool are making moves to sign Barcelona misfit Ronald Araujo on a permanent basis.
Liverpool are considering activating a €55 million purchase option for Ronald Araujo, as per Fichajes. The Reds are working towards a permanent deal for the 27-year-old Barcelona defender, who has established himself in Andoni Iraola’s starting lineup since arriving at Anfield.
The Uruguayan international is reportedly reluctant to return to Barcelona while Hansi Flick remains in charge, which strengthens the Merseyside club’s case for a permanent deal.
Araujo joined Barcelona in 2018 and earned promotion to the first team in 2020, eventually becoming an important figure in the Catalan club’s defence. However, injuries and a loss of prominence under Flick have complicated his position, leading Barcelona to sanction a loan move with an option to buy.
Why Liverpool want to sign Araujo permanently?
His performances in England have helped revive his prospects. In 12 matches, he has racked up close to 800 minutes and has also contributed to three goals. Although he prefers playing at centre-back, Iraola has deployed him at right-back, where his tackling and ability to recover possession have proved valuable.
He completed 90 minutes in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton, demonstrating his ability to handle the demands of the role. Captain Virgil van Dijk reportedly praised the intensity he brought to the performance, with the clean sheet underlining his contribution to the defensive effort.
Araujo had been substituted at half-time in each of his previous two appearances, but his response against Brighton has strengthened the case for keeping him in the starting lineup.
Liverpool’s interest has been bolstered by recent defensive departures; Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have left gaps the Uruguayan has helped address, making his versatility an important asset for Iraola.
The €55 million buy option could allow Liverpool to avoid competing with rival clubs in an open transfer battle next summer. Formal reviews of the proposed payment schedule are reportedly planned for November and December, with the club assessing whether to complete the move before the 2027 pre-season.
Araujo’s future at Barcelona remains dependent on Flick’s plans. The defender is reportedly unwilling to return unless he receives assurances over regular first-team football, making a permanent switch to Liverpool an increasingly plausible outcome.
If he maintains his current level of performance, Liverpool could move ahead with the €55 million deal and turn his loan spell into a permanent stay at Anfield.