Liverpool are close to securing Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan, according to BBC and other outlets reporting on Friday.
The move would see the Uruguay international spend the 2026-27 campaign at Anfield, with the two clubs reportedly near an agreement. Sky Sports and ESPN both indicate that a deal has been agreed in principle, while The New York Times also reports that Liverpool are set to sign Araujo on a temporary basis.
Araujo has been a regular for Barcelona since breaking into the first team, but the Catalan club are reportedly open to letting him leave temporarily to ease their financial situation and reduce their wage bill. Liverpool, meanwhile, are looking to add depth at centre-back, with the 27-year-old expected to provide competition for the club's existing defensive options.
The loan would not include an option to buy, according to the reports, meaning Araujo would return to Barcelona at the end of the season. The move is expected to be completed in the coming days, with Liverpool keen to finalise the deal before the start of the Premier League season.
The transfer window remains open, and Liverpool could still make further additions before it closes. The club have been linked with other targets, and the arrival of Araujo may not be their final piece of business this summer.
Watch for official confirmation from both clubs in the next few days, and whether Liverpool follow up the loan with any permanent signings before the deadline.
