Araújo seals Liverpool loan with option to buy from Barcelona

The deal is moving fast: Ronald Araújo has arrived at Merseyside to complete his medical this Sunday, according to The Guardian. Liverpool have secured the Uruguayan on a season-long loan from Barcelona, with an option to buy included at the end of the campaign.

Andoni Iraola was hunting for defensive reinforcements after problems at the back. Jérémy Jacquet, the 21-year-old French defender who arrived last winter for over £50m, has yet to make a competitive appearance due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, injuries to Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni, plus Ibrahima Konaté's departure to Real Madrid, left Liverpool short-handed in defence.

Araújo was a key piece in Barcelona's La Liga title win but barely featured under Hansi Flick last season: just 11 league starts despite over 200 appearances for the club. Liverpool also had Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa on their radar, but his £60m price tag put them off the move.