RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesLiverpool legend gives verdict on Barcelona defender’s move to Anfield – “Not getting excited”
Ronald Araujo’s supposed move to Liverpool has surprised the transfer market, with the Barcelona defender gearing up for a surprise loan spell at Anfield.
Araujo is expected to travel to Merseyside to complete his medical today . He will join Liverpool on a season-long loan deal, with an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
The transfer has drawn mixed opinions so far, with Barcelona fans viewing it as a positive development. Liverpool fans, however, are sceptical.
Jamie Carragher on Araujo’s move to Liverpool
Araujo’s Liverpool move only a matter of time. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s defensive legend Jamie Carragher has also given his verdict on the transfer, and his assessment was decidedly mixed.
“Look, it’s a mixture of the best and the worst, isn’t it?” Carragher said in the latest Football Ramble podcast.
The former centre-back did acknowledge Araujo’s obvious qualities, particularly given Liverpool’s pressing need for defensive reinforcements following Ibrahima Konate’s departure to Real Madrid.
“Araujo is a physical beast, aggressive, he can play as a centre-back or right-back and has first-class experience. He has been captain of Barcelona, he has played big games,” he said.
Carragher also approved of the structure of the deal, believing that it suites Liverpool as the buyout clause is not mandatory.
“A loan is low risk. You try it for a year, see if it adapts with Iraola and, if it works, you buy it. That part makes sense. It fills a gap without blowing up the budget,” he added.
Then, Carragher went on to point out the flaws in Araujo and why he thinks things might not work out perfectly.
“The passion is great, he goes into the tackles, but defending at this level is about decisions, concentration and reading the game,” he explained.
Carragher is not fond of Araujo. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
“Too often against elite teams you disconnect, give away silly penalties or get sent off. The Premier League is relentless; a mistake and they punish you. He’s had consistency and discipline issues, and his form has dropped ,” he added.
A reactive signing?
Carragher also drew on Araujo’s diminished role at Barcelona, where the emergence of Pau Cubarsi pushed the Uruguayan down the pecking order, to explain his scepticism.
“Liverpool should have gone for a centre-back with more experience instead of opting for a player who has always been a substitute for a 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi ,” he said.
“Arriving here on loan after being told that he is not a starter at Barça, he seems a bit reactive instead of a star signing,” he added.
The pundit made clear he would have preferred a different type of addition. “I would rather have a permanent solution that fits into the system in the long term,” he said.
“Let’s watch him play first, but I’m not getting excited yet,” Carragher concluded.
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