Liverpool have completed the signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo on a season-long loan. Sources have told ESPN that the deal includes an option for Liverpool to make the move permanent next summer for around €55 million. Liverpool will cover his wages for the duration of the campaign, however the defender has taken a pay cut to facilitate the move. Liverpool have not paid a loan fee for Araújo's services this season.

Araújo, 27, is looking to kick start his career at Anfield after falling out of favour at Barça over the last two years, while The Reds' new head coach, Andoni Iraola, has been in the market for a defender to help bolster his back line. Due to a variety of reasons, the Uruguay international was limited to just 16 starts in all competitions last season. He will wear the No. 33 shirt for Liverpool this season.

The 6-foot-3 defender can also cover at right-back. After joining Barça's reserve team in 2018, Araújo has gone on to make 213 first-team appearances for Barcelona. Alongside Andreas Christensen, he played a key role when Barça won the La Liga title in 2022-23. However, form, injuries and mental health problems have seen him lose his place.

Sources have told ESPN that Liverpool remain active in the transfer market, with their priority a wide forward. Paris Saint-Germain duo Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye are among the Reds' targets.