Ronald Araujo continued his positive start to life at Liverpool by scoring against Villarreal this week. With two goals and an assist in three Champions League games, the Barcelona loanee’s performances have increased discussion around his long-term future at Liverpool.
The 27-year-old arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan with an option to make it permanent at the end of his spell. He arrived as an additional defensive option alongside Virgil van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet, but his performances at right-back have attracted attention.
According to the Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele, both Araujo and Liverpool have shown willingness to make the move permanent. However, no decision has been made yet.
Ronald Araujo has featured regularly at right-back despite being a natural centre-back at Anfield. All of his five starts in the Premier League have come in the makeshift position, and the player has adapted to the role so far. He has made an impact in the Champions League this season, scoring a goal each against LASK and Villarreal, increasing attention on his performances from both Liverpool and Barcelona.
The Uruguayan has already revealed that he is enjoying his time with the 20-time English champions, hinting at his willingness to push for a permanent move at the end of the 2026-27 season.
“I’m really happy to be here, my family are also very happy, but it’s a bit early to be talking about these things,” Araujo told reporters before the Villarreal game.
Meanwhile, Liverpool continue to be linked with a right-back and a potential long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk. So, Araujo’s performances have added another factor to Liverpool’s transfer planning ahead of next summer.
Araujo’s reported openness to remaining at Liverpool could aid any future negotiations. The defender is earning £210,000 plus bonuses per week, and Liverpool are paying his entire salary during his loan spell. This kind of salary for a rotational player could be considered if Iraola decides to utilise Araujo as the first-choice centre-back or a right-back; then Liverpool are expected to go for a permanent transfer.
Jacquet has strengthened his claim to a regular starting role after recently winning the club’s Player of the Month award for August and September. Liverpool also have the 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni, who is nearing a return from a long-term injury. Liverpool may need to evaluate both internal and external options should van Dijk depart at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are likely to remain aware of Araujo’s performances during his loan spell. Spanish outlet Marca reports that chances of Liverpool considering the possibility of bidding for the player are increasing. The report further adds that Barcelona are exploring an opportunity to use the money from Araujo’s sale and sign an experienced defender next season.
Hansi Flick’s side boasts Pau Cubarsi, Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, and Gerard Martin in centre-back options, with Jules Kounde also offering support if necessary. However, Barcelona have kept just one clean sheet in their last eight matches across competitions. They leaked four goals against Paris Saint-Germain in their last game, which has increased scrutiny of the club’s defensive options.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo has not provided a definitive update regarding his long-term future. After returning from injuries and a period away from football, the 27-year-old is currently focused on playing regular football and regaining confidence, rather than worrying about his future.
