Liverpool have accelerated plans to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo after Ibrahima Konate’s move to Real Madrid left a significant gap in their defence, according to reports. The proposed deal could also give Barcelona valuable financial flexibility and force the Catalan club to reconsider its own recruitment plans.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool have stepped up their search for a new centre-back over the past 24 to 48 hours. Strengthening that position has now become a higher priority than signing a right-back, with Araujo emerging as their preferred target.
The Uruguay international has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time, but his situation at Barcelona had previously made a move difficult. Circumstances have changed during the current summer transfer window, allowing Liverpool to make a determined attempt to complete the deal.
Araujo is expected to join Liverpool on a season-long loan, with the English club taking full responsibility for his wages. Those earnings are understood to be worth about €11m net. The agreement would also reportedly include an option for Liverpool to buy him at the end of the season, although there would be no obligation to make the transfer permanent.
For Barcelona, even a temporary departure would provide important financial relief. The club would no longer have to pay Araujo’s salary, creating additional room under its wage limit at a crucial stage of the transfer window.
Araujo is also looking for an opportunity to restore his standing and secure more regular football after his role in Barcelona’s plans diminished. Liverpool could offer him that chance in one of the most competitive leagues in world football.
The move is directly linked to Real Madrid’s earlier activity. Konate’s transfer to the Spanish club left Liverpool short of options at centre-back, particularly with Joe Gomez continuing to struggle with fitness issues. Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while there remain questions over the readiness of Jeremy Jacquet.
As a result, Virgil van Dijk is virtually the only experienced defender currently available to Liverpool at full capacity. That situation has prompted the club’s hierarchy to move more quickly in the market.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez therefore features indirectly in the developing transfer chain. By securing Konate, Real Madrid created the defensive vacancy that Liverpool must now fill, potentially with a player from Barcelona.
Araujo is expected to visit Barcelona’s training complex before travelling to England for a medical and to complete the formalities of his move to Liverpool. An official announcement would follow once those procedures have been concluded.
Liverpool would gain a defender known for his physical strength, experience and versatility. Araujo can also operate at right-back when required, giving manager Arne Slot an additional option across the defensive line.
Barcelona, meanwhile, would remove the wages of one of its highest-paid players and gain more room within financial fair-play regulations while working to strengthen the squad.
Other media reports suggest Barcelona are considering Cristian Romero of Tottenham or Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Club as possible replacements for Araujo. Those plans were not part of the club’s original calculations, but his proposed departure has now made defensive recruitment a priority.