Liverpool are considering making Ronald Araujo’s loan move from Barcelona permanent, with the club reportedly encouraged by the defender’s start to the season. The agreement includes a €55 million buy option, although the player’s wages could complicate any long-term deal.
Araujo joined Liverpool on loan after the club spent much of the summer seeking a right-back. Despite initially appearing to be a late solution, the Uruguay international has made an impression after just seven matches.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reports that Liverpool have already formed a favourable view of the arrangement and regard the buy option as a reasonable figure. The fee is understood to be open to negotiation.
Liverpool weigh up €55m Araujo option
Sporting director Julian Ward is said to be considering securing the defender’s future at Anfield at an early stage. People inside the club have reportedly been “blown away” by Araujo’s adaptation to English football.
The 27-year-old has operated as a defensively minded right-back for Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool side, despite being more naturally suited to a central defensive role. His pace and physicality have also been viewed as qualities well suited to the Premier League.
However, Araujo’s salary remains a potential obstacle. He is reportedly earning more than £210,000 a week on a contract that runs into his mid-30s, meaning he may be reluctant to accept a significant reduction to join Liverpool permanently.
Barcelona could therefore be forced to consider lowering the transfer fee if they are determined to remove the defender’s contract from their wage commitments. Liverpool’s assessment of the situation is expected to depend on whether the financial terms can be agreed as well as on Araujo’s performances during the remainder of his loan.
