According to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan deal.
The Reds are currently short in the central defensive department. Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are nursing respective injuries, while Jeremy Jacquet is still in individual training after a shoulder issue playing for Rennes last term.
Virgil van Dijk has been Liverpool’s only fit senior centre-back, but the Merseyside giants have now finalised a loan deal for Araujo. All documents have been signed and the Reds have also agreed on a buy clause for the Uruguayan.
Andoni Iraola’s side will cover 100 percent of Araujo’s wages and he will travel for his medical on Sunday, with the defender expected to undergo his examinations on Monday.
Experience
Gomez’s pre-season injury against Sunderland had left the Reds short in the central defensive department ahead of the new season. The club have acted quickly by recruiting Araujo, who should provide leadership and plenty of experience.
The South American star has captained the Blaugrana on many occasions and was a mainstay in their starting plans until last season when Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi became the regular centre-back choices for manager Hansi Flick.
Araujo has now agreed to join the Reds in the Premier League with an obvious assurance of regular playing time. Jacquet is working his way back to full fitness and the Frenchman may need several months to adapt to the league’s intensity.
Meanwhile, Leoni may not be rushed back after a serious knee injury and the same is the case with Gomez, given his injury proneness. Araujo is a good ball-playing central defender and could slot into the right centre-back role, partnering Van Dijk.
It remains to be seen how the 27-year-old fares in the English top-flight. Despite his big-game credentials, Araujo is prone to the odd defensive error. He picked up an early red card during Barcelona’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the league phase of the Champions League last term.
His concentration and positioning have come up for scrutiny from the Blaugrana faithful in the past. Araujo’s injury record is another cause for concern. He has struggled to stay fit over extended periods and his fitness could be put to the test with the Premier League’s high intensity.
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