Liverpool are set to sign Barcelona captain Ronald Araújo on a season‑long loan, sources told ESPN. The deal includes an option to make the move permanent. Head coach Andoni Iraola has been seeking defensive reinforcement as Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet recover from injury.

Araújo, a 27‑year‑old centre‑back who can also play right back, has made 213 first‑team appearances for Barça and was part of Uruguay’s squad at this summer’s World Cup, though he did not play. The move comes as Liverpool lack depth in defence, with Conor Bradley out injured and Virgil van Dijk absent from the U.S. preseason tour. Ibrahima Konaté’s free transfer to Real Madrid has left the Reds without experience at the back.

He joined Barcelona in 2018 from Boston River for a fee of €1.5 million plus €3 million in add‑ons and became a regular starter in October 2020. Under Hansi Flick his role diminished, prompting the loan offer. The 27‑year‑old accepted the Premier League club’s proposal after realizing he would not get the playing time he desired at Barça.