Transfer News: Liverpool plan bid for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo
According to the CCMA (h/t Daily Mail), Liverpool are planning a bid for Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo. They are not alone in their pursuit with Chelsea also said to be interested.
The 23-year-old centre-back has been spectacular for the Catalan giants this season establishing himself in the heart of their defence. The two parties have been in negotiations over a new contract for some time now but they are yet to reach an agreement.
Araujo has a contract with Barcelona until 2023, and the club will do its best to keep its prized asset beyond that period. The centre-back is establishing himself as one of the biggest prospects in world football and it is not surprising that he has received interest from various top European clubs.
The central defender has made 33 appearances for the Blaugrana this season, even popping up with four goals during the time. The Uruguayan can also fill in at right-back if needed as he has already shown several times this season.
It is obvious that the former Boston River man possesses a lot of talent and Liverpool will not be the only club planning to table a bid for his services. Araujo could develop into a world-class player in the future and signing him now would be cost-effective.
Where does Araujo fit in?
Having just signed Ibrahima Konate last summer, Liverpool now have four excellent centre-backs at their disposal. Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez make up the numbers in defence.
It is difficult to see the 23-year-old break into the Reds XI at this moment in time. More so, while Araujo 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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The Reds may not want to lose out on such a huge talent, who could probably replace Virgil Van Dijk in the future, especially on a cut-price deal. But at 30, the Dutchman has years left in him and it remains to be seen if Araujo is considered a priority in the summer.
