Ronald Araujo set to join Liverpool on season-long loan from Barcelona

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is due to arrive in Liverpool on Sunday to complete a season-long loan move to the Premier League club, with Liverpool agreeing to cover his full salary and securing an option to buy him for about 55m euros.

Barcelona and Liverpool have signed an agreement for the Uruguay international to move to Anfield for the 2026-27 season. Araujo is expected to travel from Barcelona in the coming hours before undergoing a medical, with the transfer to be officially announced once that process is complete.

The deal includes a purchase option in Liverpool’s favour, valued at approximately 55m euros. The clause would allow the English club to make the defender’s move permanent at the end of the loan spell.

Araujo has agreed to leave Barcelona amid expectations that his role could be reduced under manager Hansi Flick during the new season. That prospect led the 27-year-old to consider a fresh opportunity, with Liverpool moving to secure his services.

Flick said Araujo had understood the need for a new challenge and backed him to succeed in England.

“Ronaldo is a great player and an exceptional person, and he understood that he needed a new challenge,” said the Barcelona manager.

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

Liverpool are short of defensive options because of injuries, increasing the urgency of completing the deal before the Premier League season begins. Araujo is expected to have a significant opportunity to play, given the club’s need for reinforcements in defence.

The Uruguay defender joined Barcelona from Boston River in 2018. He has worn the Barcelona captain’s armband during the past two seasons, underlining his status within the squad despite losing his regular starting place during that period.

Araujo made 35 appearances for Barcelona last season and scored four goals. However, his performances had declined and he had fallen out of the first-choice team during the previous two campaigns.

His arrival would give Liverpool additional defensive cover at a time when injuries have affected their options. The loan agreement means the club can assess Araujo’s performances over the 2026-27 campaign before deciding whether to activate the purchase clause.

For Barcelona, the arrangement provides a temporary solution for a player whose expected involvement was set to decrease, while Liverpool will take responsibility for his wages throughout the loan. The final formalities are expected to be completed after Araujo’s medical in England.