Reminder: The conditions Liverpool can meet to permanently sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona
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Ronald Araujo has been a pleasant surprise for Liverpool supporters since his arrival on loan from Barcelona in August.The Uruguayan had not been on any Reds fans’ shopping lists ahead of the summer, but the decision to bring him in as a stop-gap solution in defence has so far proved to be a shrewd one.Araujo excelled at right-back against Ipswich on Friday, and with Liverpool likely to lose Joe Gomez next summer, there is an argument that the 27-year-old could be an ideal replacement. The Reds do have the option to make his move from Barcelona permanent, and if he keeps performing as he currently is, there is the potential of them triggering that clause.
How should Andoni Iraola now manage Liverpool’s right-back situation moving forward? Ronald Araujo was SUPERB against Ipswich Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC Liverpool can sign Araujo for £47mWhen Liverpool signed him, it was reported that the Reds could make Araujo’s move permanent for around £47m.It appears that Liverpool can trigger that at any point during the centre-back’s season-long loan.There are no conditions relating to appearances, such as with Harvey Elliott’s doomed move to Aston Villa last season, and it should be stressed that this is an optional clause, rather than a mandatory one.If Liverpool choose not to pay the money, Araujo will head back to Barcelona once the season comes to a close.READ MORE: Bradley Barcola is officially the fastest player in the Premier League after only half an hour of footballIs there a chance Liverpool will buy Araujo?Initially upon his arrival, it was already reported that the chances of Araujo being signed permanently were low.Clearly, the Reds have more of a long-term plan at centre-back, and plenty also hinges on whether Virgil van Dijk signs a new contract or not as well.Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty ImagesHowever, the Barca captain has been very good in his three appearances so far, and though it is early days, nothing should be ruled out just yet.The price feels fairly high given Araujo will be 28 by the time the season ends, but it could also be seen as good value for a player who Liverpool will know all about, and could even be a guarantee of success if he continues playing at the level he currently is.Van Dijk could leave along with Gomez, and Liverpool may decide that for £47m, they might be better off keeping some continuity in their defensive options.
What is unknown for now is how Araujo himself feels about leaving Barcelona for good, but he looks to have settled in well at Anfield, and with a long way still to go before decisions need to be made here, it might be one that just makes sense for everyone. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox