Transfer News: Liverpool could be in the race for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo
According to the Sport (h/t Liverpool Echo), Uruguayan defender and Liverpool target Ronald Araujo has been taking English lessons ahead of a possible move to the Premier League.
The 23-year-old centre-back has been sensational for Barcelona this season, establishing himself as a first-choice player at the Camp Nou. The Blaugrana want to keep him and Araujo wants to stay, but he is not happy with the contract offer made by the Spanish club.
Araujo’s contract expires in 2023, and if he fails to renew a new deal with Barcelona, it opens up a window of opportunity for potential suitors to pursue a move in the summer. Liverpool are said to be very interested in the centre-back but they are not alone, with Chelsea and Manchester United also in the mix.
The 23-year-old is a tall and powerful defender who can make full use of his physicality. He is very good in the air, extremely quick and although he is not the greatest with the ball at his feet, he has improved a lot in this regard. Occasionally he has deputised for Barcelona at right-back this season but is often deployed as the central defender.
Araujo joined Barcelona in 2020 and was immediately impressed with the reserves. He was on the fringes of the first team before eventually becoming a starter in the second half of last season. Having already won 69 caps for the Catalans and seven caps for Uruguay, it is very evident that the defender possesses a lot of talent and could be a future star.
Do the Reds need Araujo?
Having just bought Ibrahima Konate last summer, and with solid options like Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez for the centre-back position, it is not very clear as to where Klopp thinks Araujo could fit in.
Although the Uruguayan international has all the attributes to succeed in the Premier League and become one of the best defenders in the world, he is extremely injury prone. Araujo has suffered different problems with his hamstring, calf, ankle and muscles over the past couple of seasons and his injury record is something potential suitors will need to consider.
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Regardless, a player of Araujo’s quality and at his age do not come around often, and with his contract expiring in 2023, he could be available at a bargain price.
Araujo could still renew with Barcelona if the club improves their offer, but if he doesn’t, the Reds will not be the only club fighting for his signature come the summer.
