Liverpool signs Araujo on loan from Barcelona

Liverpool have completed the signing of Uruguayan centre-back Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona, according to BBC Sport. The deal includes an option to purchase the 27-year-old at the end of the campaign.

Araujo, who joined Barcelona in 2018 from Uruguayan side Boston River, has made over 200 appearances for the club, winning three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies. The defender expressed his excitement: «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. As soon as I heard interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly».

The arrival strengthens Liverpool's defence following Ibrahima Konate's departure to Real Madrid on a free transfer. At Barcelona, Araujo's playing time diminished under Hansi Flick, recording only 11 league starts last season as Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín became the preferred central defensive pairing.

Darwin Núñez, his international teammate, welcomed him on social media: «I'm deeply glad that you can feel what the affection and support of the Liverpool fans is like. They are special and they're going to make you feel it that way, now you're a red too».