Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Barcelona to sign centre-back Ronald Araujo on loan for the 2025–26 season, according to talkSPORT. The deal contains no buy option, meaning Araujo is set to return to the Camp Nou at the end of his stint in England.

The move addresses a pressing concern at Anfield: a shortage of depth in central defence. With Ibrahima Konate having departed for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer after his contract expired, manager Andoni Iraola has just three senior centre-backs at his disposal — Virgil van Dijk, new arrival Jeremy Jacquet, and Giovanni Leoni.

Araujo's profile

The 27-year-old brings a wealth of experience to Liverpool's backline. He made 38 appearances across all competitions last season for Barcelona, captaining the side as they clinched the La Liga title.

In total, Araujo has featured in 213 games for the Catalan club over seven years since joining from Uruguayan outfit Boston River in 2018, having also previously represented fellow Uruguayan side Rentistas. During that period he has accumulated three La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, and three Spanish Super Cups.

At international level, Araujo has earned 27 caps for Uruguay over six years and featured in their squad at the World Cup this summer, underlining his status as one of the most accomplished defenders in world football.

Liverpool's summer business

Should the agreement be formalised, Araujo will become Liverpool's fourth signing of the summer under Iraola, with the new Premier League season just two weeks away. The club have moved swiftly to shore up a position that was left thin following Konate's exit.