Liverpool have agreed a season-long loan deal to sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, according to respected journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Reds have been left dangerously short in central defence heading into the new Premier League campaign, forcing the club to move decisively in the transfer market.
Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are both nursing injuries, while Jeremy Jacquet remains in individual training following a shoulder problem sustained while at Rennes last term.
Virgil van Dijk has been Liverpool’s only available senior centre-back, a situation manager Andoni Iraola could not allow to continue into the competitive season.
All documents relating to the loan deal have now been signed, and Liverpool have also secured a buy clause for the Uruguayan as part of the agreement.
Iraola’s side will cover 100 percent of Araujo’s wages, with the defender set to travel for his medical on Sunday and undergo his examinations on Monday.
The 27-year-old brings considerable experience and leadership to Anfield, having captained Barcelona on numerous occasions throughout his time at the club.
Araujo was a reliable starter for the Blaugrana until last season, when Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi emerged as manager Hansi Flick’s preferred centre-back pairing.
The move offers Araujo the promise of regular playing time, something that had become increasingly difficult to guarantee under Flick’s evolving defensive setup at Barcelona.
Jacquet’s recovery timeline remains unclear, and the Frenchman could need several months to adjust to the demands and intensity of Premier League football.
Leoni’s serious knee injury means he is unlikely to be rushed back into action, further underlining why Liverpool pushed hard to bring Araujo to Merseyside quickly.
Araujo is regarded as a capable ball-playing centre-back who could slot comfortably into the right side of Liverpool’s defensive partnership alongside Van Dijk.
However, questions do remain around the Uruguayan, who has faced scrutiny over his concentration and positioning from Barcelona supporters in recent seasons.
His injury record also raises concern, as he has struggled to maintain fitness over extended periods, something that could be tested by the rigours of the Premier League.
Araujo also picked up an early red card during Barcelona’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League league phase last term, a moment that added to doubts over his consistency at the highest level.