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    Liverpool have completed the signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan as manager Andoni Iraola strengthens his options at centre-back ahead of the new campaign.

    The agreement includes an option for Liverpool to make the 27-year-old’s move permanent for around £47.14 million (€55m) at the end of the season.

    Araujo arrives to strengthen defence

    Liverpool will not pay a loan fee for Araujo but have agreed to cover his full salary during his time at Anfield. The Uruguay international has also reportedly accepted a reduction in his wages to make the move possible.

    Araujo will wear the No. 33 shirt and is expected to begin training with his new team-mates this week.

    “I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy,” Araujo told Liverpool’s official website.

    Liverpool sign Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona
    Ronald Araujo signs for Liverpool on loan from Barcelona – Getty image

    “I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my team-mates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going.”

    The defender added that he viewed the transfer as the right move at this stage of his career.

    “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,” he said.

    Liverpool face defensive shortage

    Araujo’s arrival comes at an important time for Liverpool, who have been hit by several defensive issues.

    Ibrahima Konate has departed for Real Madrid, while new signing Jeremy Jacquet has yet to feature during pre-season after recovering from shoulder surgery.

    Joe Gomez has also suffered a muscle injury, while teenage centre-back Giovanni Leoni continues his recovery from an ACL problem.

    The situation has left captain Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool’s only fully fit senior centre-back, making Araujo’s versatility particularly valuable.

    The Uruguayan can operate both centrally and at right-back, giving Iraola another option as he prepares his squad for the competitive campaign.

    Araujo joined Barcelona from Uruguay in 2018 and made his first-team debut the following year. He went on to make more than 200 appearances for the Catalan club and was named among their captains.

    However, his opportunities were limited last season, when he started only 11 La Liga matches following an extended period away from football.

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