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See the full story · 4 sourcesLiverpool agree surprise deal to sign Barcelona captain on loan – Romano
Liverpool have pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the summer transfer window after reaching an agreement with Barcelona to sign Ronald Araujo on loan.
It has come as quite a surprise, with the deal happening without much noise surrounding it, but the Uruguayan is set to play at Anfield this upcoming season.
According to Fabrizio Romano , the deal is now in its final stages, with all major terms agreed and documents expected to be signed within the next 24 hours.
Barcelona approve Liverpool move
Ronald Araujo is set for a new adventure in the Premier League. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Romano has revealed that Liverpool and Barcelona have reached a verbal agreement for Araujo’s transfer, with sporting director Deco giving the green light to the operation.
The Uruguayan defender will join the Premier League champions on an initial loan, with the agreement including a buy option that Liverpool can choose whether to activate.
Importantly, the clause is not mandatory, meaning Barcelona retain some control over the defender’s long-term future if Liverpool decide against making the move permanent.
Surprise exit this summer
Araujo’s future at Barça has been the subject of constant speculation for quite some time now.
Having fallen down the pecking order in Hansi Flick’s plans, Araujo looked determined to win his place back in Flick’s team, but it looks like he has eventually chosen the option where he gets more game time.
Once regarded as one of Barcelona’s untouchable players, injuries and growing competition at centre-back have complicated his standing in Hansi Flick’s squad.
Araujo has also had forgettable moments on the biggest stage for Barça , thereby making it very difficult for the club to trust him going forward.
Huge opportunity for Araujo
Araujo to become a Liverpool player. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
For Liverpool, this represents a significant defensive addition without committing to a permanent transfer immediately.
The buy option allows the Reds to assess Araujo over the course of the season before deciding whether to make the move permanent next summer.
If the 27-year-old rediscovers the form that once made him one of Europe’s most highly rated defenders, Liverpool could secure a bargain. If not, they retain the flexibility to walk away.
From Barcelona’s perspective, the move reduces their wage bill while keeping open the possibility of generating a sizeable transfer fee next summer.
Araujo now has a glorious opportunity to break away from the toxicity that surrounded him at Barça and play alongside a champion defender like Virgil van Dijk.
The Uruguayan could use this loan spell to return to his best level and enhance his reputation, and it remains to be seen how he progresses at Anfield.
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