Liverpool are set to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on loan after new manager Andoni Iraola personally asked the club to bring him to Anfield, according to TEAMtalk.
The Uruguay international is expected to join Liverpool in the near future, with the proposed temporary move following concerns about the club’s defensive options. Reports had already suggested that Liverpool’s leadership was considering defensive reinforcements because of the difficult situation surrounding their defenders.
However, TEAMtalk reports that Araujo’s arrival was not simply the result of a general recruitment decision. Iraola specifically requested that Liverpool pursue the Barcelona player, and the club responded by agreeing a loan deal for the defender.
The move would give Araujo the opportunity to continue his career in the Premier League while providing Liverpool with an additional option in defence. The agreement is currently described as a loan, although the source article does not provide details about its length or whether it includes a permanent transfer clause.
Araujo played 38 matches for Barcelona across all competitions last season and scored four goals. Those appearances came during a campaign in which he remained an important part of the club’s defensive group, while also contributing in front of goal.
His impending move to Liverpool comes as the club prepares for the start of the new English league season. Liverpool will begin their campaign away from home against Newcastle, with the match scheduled for 23 August.
The fixture will be Liverpool’s first opportunity to begin the new season under Iraola. The manager’s request for Araujo has now led to an agreement between Liverpool and Barcelona for the defender’s loan, according to the report.
No further details about the deal have been given, but Araujo is expected to travel to Liverpool soon as the club continues preparations for its opening match. The defender’s arrival would address the concern over Liverpool’s defensive depth while fulfilling a direct request from their new manager.