Uruguayan defender Ronald Araújo has joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona after taking a pay cut, with the Premier League side holding an option to buy.
Uruguay defender Ronald Araújo has completed a season-long loan move from Barcelona to Liverpool, describing the transfer as an "ideal move" for his career. The 27-year-old took a pay cut to facilitate the deal, which includes an option for Liverpool to purchase him for a pre-agreed price reportedly set at £47 million ($63 million).
"It was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. It was a move that was necessary for me to take," Araújo told the club website. "As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly. I'm super happy to be here and excited to get started."
Liverpool targeted defensive reinforcement following the departure of Ibrahima Konate at the conclusion of his contract alongside ongoing injury concerns at right back. Araújo, who was named Barcelona captain in January, arrives up to speed after participating in the Catalans' preseason preparations and is expected to join squad training this week.
The arrival gives coach Andoni Iraola flexibility across central defense and right back. Predecessor Arne Slot faced depth issues last season, relying heavily on Virgil van Dijk and Konate in almost every match. With Joe Gomez unfit for the start of the Premier League campaign, Jeremy Jacquet returning from a knee injury, and Giovanni Leoni recovering from an ACL injury, Araújo provides senior cover alongside 18-year-olds Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Ndiaye.
Reporting sourced from The Hindu Football. Photo courtesy The Hindu Football.