Liverpool set to announce Ronald Araujo loan after Barcelona defender completes medical

Liverpool are expected to confirm the signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on Monday evening after the Uruguay international completed his medical, according to Sky Sports.

The 27-year-old is set to join Liverpool on loan for the 2026-27 season after all parties reached a final agreement. The deal will include an option for the English club to buy Araujo for about 55m euros.

The official announcement is expected to follow shortly, with Liverpool understood to be preparing to disclose the transfer later on Monday.

Araujo agreed to leave Barcelona amid expectations that his role at the club would be reduced during the new campaign. That prompted the defender to seek a fresh opportunity, with Liverpool offering the prospect of a more prominent role.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said Araujo had accepted that a move was the right step for him.

“[Araujo] is a great player and a special person, and he understood that he needed a new challenge,” Flick said.

“I saw him happy before he travelled, and I wish him all the best in his next step.”

Liverpool have been affected by injuries in defence, increasing the urgency of completing the deal before the start of the Premier League season. Araujo is expected to have a significant opportunity to play because of the club’s need for defensive reinforcements.

The move would take him to England after eight years with Barcelona. Araujo joined the Catalan club from Boston River in 2018 and has worn the Barcelona captain’s armband during the past two seasons.

He made 35 appearances for Barcelona last season and scored four goals. However, he lost his regular starting position during the previous two campaigns as his form declined.

Liverpool’s agreement with Barcelona is therefore structured initially as a season-long loan, with the option of making the transfer permanent for a fee of approximately 55m euros. The next stage is the official confirmation of the move, which is expected on Monday night.