Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo close to joining Liverpool on season-long loan

Liverpool are set to sign defender Ronald Araújo on a seasonlong loan deal from Barcelona, sources told ESPN.

The deal includes an option for a permanent transfer.

The Reds' new head coach, Andoni Iraola, has been in the market for a defender to help bolster his back line, with Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet working their way back from injury.

Araújo, who is the Barcelona captain, primarily plays as a center back but can also operate at right back, which will be a boost to Liverpool, who are still without the injured Conor Bradley.

Araújo has made 213 first-team appearances for Barça and was part of the Uruguay squad at this summer's World Cup, although he did not feature for Marcelo Bielsa's side at the tournament.

Ronald Araújo represented Uruguay at this summer's World Cup. MB Media/Getty Images

Liverpool's lack of defensive options became apparent on the club's preseason tour of the United States, with captain Virgil van Dijk omitted from the traveling party after a taxing 2025-26 season.

They are also lacking experience in defense following the departure of Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer to Real Madrid at the end of last term.

Araújo accepted the Premier League club's proposal after realizing that, under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, he would not get the playing time he desired.

The 27-year-old joined Barça in 2018 from Uruguayan side Boston River for a fee of €1.5 million plus €3 million in add-ons. He was promoted to the first team in October 2020, becoming an undisputed starter in the Blaugrana defense and one of the team captains.

However, he had seen his role diminish since the arrival of Flick, as well as because of injuries. Barcelona's squad currently features Pau Cubarsí, Eric García, Gerard Martín and Andreas Christensen as centre-backs.