Liverpool close in on surprise defender deal

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Liverpool are closing in on a surprise move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. Araujo is set to provide fresh backline depth for Andoni Iraola’s side following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid and mounting injury problems.

Summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet is a doubt for Sunday’s pre-season friendly with Monaco while Joe Gomez will miss the opening weeks of the new campaign. Araujo’s switch to Anfield will be an initial season-long loan with an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the forthcoming Premier League season.

The Uruguay international can play at right-back as well as centre-back and has made over 200 appearances for Barcelona in seven years with the club. Araujo will become Liverpool’s first loan signing since 2022, when out-of-favour Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo joined on a short-term deal.