Liverpool close to signing Barcelona's Araujo on loan

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Liverpool are close to completing a season-long loan move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, with the deal understood to include an option to buy. The Uruguay international is expected to join up with the Liverpool squad this weekend, according to the publication.

Araujo, 27, has been a long-serving figure at Barcelona after arriving from Boston River in 2018. BBC Sport notes that he has made more than 200 appearances for the Spanish club, helped them win La Liga in three of the past four seasons, and finished last season as captain. He remains under contract until 2031, but the report says he featured in only 11 league starts last term as Barcelona turned increasingly to Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi at centre-back.

The potential move comes as Liverpool look to reinforce their defence. BBC Sport links that need to the departure of Ibrahima Konate, who left for Real Madrid on a free transfer. If completed, the transfer would give Liverpool an experienced centre-back with international pedigree and add depth to a defensive unit undergoing change.

The article is based on BBC Sport Football’s reporting and provides no final confirmation that the deal has been completed.