Ronald Araújo impresses at Liverpool: €55m buy option

Ronald Araújo, the Uruguayan centre-back at Liverpool, has gone from a temporary move to earning real attention fast: in seven matches, he has started five, and Andoni Iraola is increasingly leaning on him. The loan from Barcelona runs until the end of the season and includes a €55m buy option.

From centre-back to full-back

His adjustment stands out because of the flexibility he has shown in England. He began in the Premier League as a centre-back against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, but Iraola has used him as a starter at right-back in league games versus Ipswich, Fulham and Bournemouth. He has also featured in the Champions League against Atlético and in the EFL Cup against Tottenham.

Iraola has praised his ability to take on different roles and said he is happy with the player’s attitude since arriving at Anfield. One of the standout moments came in the Atlético match, where Araújo produced a remarkable backheel assist.

The agreement between Barcelona and Liverpool includes that €55m option at the end of the season. It does not force Liverpool to keep him, but the club’s sporting leadership could consider activating it if Araújo sustains this level. Araújo is still under contract with Barcelona until 2031.