Liverpool have agreed a surprise deal to sign Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araújo on a season-long loan. The 27-year-old Uruguay international, who signed a new contract with the Catalan club until 2031 last year, is set to move to Merseyside to add depth to Andoni Iraola’s defensive options.
According to Sky Sports, the agreement is a straight loan for the season. ESPN reports that the deal includes an option for a permanent transfer. Liverpool’s search for defensive reinforcement intensified following Ibrahima Konaté’s move to Real Madrid, fitness concerns over summer signing Jérémy Jacquet, Joe Gomez’s muscle injury and Giovanni Leoni’s recovery from an ACL injury.
Araújo joined Barcelona from Uruguay in 2018 before being promoted to the first team in 2019. He has made more than 200 appearances for the club and was named one of its captains in January following Marc-André ter Stegen’s departure. However, he started only 11 La Liga matches last season after taking an extended break from football in November 2025 as he recovered from depression.
The temporary move gives Araújo the chance to pursue more playing time in the Premier League. ESPN reports that he accepted Liverpool’s proposal after concluding that he would not receive the playing time he wanted under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
Araújo is set to join Liverpool on loan for the season, with an option for a permanent transfer reported to be included in the agreement.
