RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesBarcelona defender set to complete his medical at Liverpool today ahead of surprise loan move
Almost out of nowhere, Ronald Araujo became the biggest talking point in the transfer market, following the news of his supposed loan move to Liverpool.
The Uruguayan international is expected to join the Reds on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy next season.
It is a move that none saw coming but is part of Barcelona’s plans to deleverage their balance sheet but lowering the squad wages.
Ronald Araujo set for medical
Ronald Araujo may soon become a Liverpool player. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now offered a crucial update, as far as Ronald Araujo’s Liverpool saga is concerned.
The Italian journalist suggests Araujo is set to fly to Merseyside today to complete his medical at Anfield ahead of the loan move.
Provided the formalities are done, the Reds are expected to have no real hiccups in announcing the deal, though Romano has given no timeline.
Liverpool have an option to buy Araujo for €55 million next summer, but the option is not mandatory, meaning Araujo can still return to Barcelona if he fails to impress Andoni Iraola next season.
Do Barcelona need a new centre-back?
Barcelona are not expected to sign a replacement for Ronald Araujo. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Araujo’s departure does create a gaping hole in the Barcelona backline, even though the broader fanbase appear to be happy with the move.
It leaves Hansi Flick with one less central defensive options. The club have been linked with a move for Aymeric Laporte and Cristian Romero this summer.
However, neither of the players will come cheap, which is why there is a strong possibility the Catalans might not sign a new defender to replace Araujo.
Instead, onus could be put on youth prodigy Alvaro Cortes , even though the youngster has received a lot of offers and has been linked with an exit.
Flick also has faith on his existing options, including Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen whereas Pau Cubarsi is expected to remain a first-team regular and perhaps even operate in a more leadership role next season.
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