Liverpool are planning to contact Barcelona in January to begin the process of signing Ronald Araujo permanently, according to insider Juan Jesus. The Uruguay international joined on loan and has settled in at right-back, with a reported purchase option of around €55million central to the plan. According to Football365.com.
Araujo’s right-back form pushes Liverpool towards early permanent move
The mechanics are straightforward on paper. Liverpool are believed to hold an option to sign Araujo permanently for €55million (£46m) in the summer, and it is believed they want to start that process as soon as possible. Jesus wrote on X that the purchase option can be activated in the next transfer window.
Araujo’s role has turned out differently to expectations. Signed on loan from Barcelona, he was expected to play at centre-back, where he has mostly featured, but a loss of form and injuries among other right-backs moved him wide. He has started eight games there, scoring once and assisting once, plus a goal at centre-back.
Jesus added that Liverpool admire the player and are delighted with him, while Araujo and his family have not felt this comfortable in a long time. Fabrizio Romano has also reiterated that the defender is “very happy” at the club, which points to a settled player as the January window approaches.
Former Premier League scout Mick Brown believes work is already under way behind the scenes, pointing to the manager’s liking for what he has seen, particularly the display against Brighton. Brown expects Liverpool to monitor Araujo for the rest of the season, with a decision before the summer, and says he is “highly likely to stay permanently” if his form continues.
