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Liverpool have finalised a loan agreement for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, with an option to make the deal permanent, according to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds have seen their centre-back resources badly hit by injuries, with captain Virgil van Dijk currently the only senior central defender available.

Liverpool had also been associated with Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, but his £60 million valuation has proved too expensive.

Liverpool have brought in Araujo. His style of play is based on physical strength, recovery speed and defensive reliability.

That said, he has slipped down the pecking order at Barcelona over the last two seasons and has failed to make a strong impression when opportunities have come his way.

Araujo has also lost his place in Uruguay’s starting XI, although he was included in their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Last season, he ranked in the third percentile for defensive duels won percentage and in the 15th percentile for defensive duel success among centre-backs across Europe’s top seven leagues.

The Uruguayan performed far better in aerial battles, where he ranked in the 71st percentile for that measure.

Araujo was ranked 59th for progressive passes completed and 85th for progressive carries, indicating that he is comfortable in possession.

Manager Andoni Iraola will be hoping the Rentistas academy graduate can rediscover his best form.

Araujo is expected to offer cover for Van Dijk and Jeremy Jacquet, who are set to be Liverpool’s first-choice centre-back pairing.

He may also fill in for Jeremy Frimpong at right-back until Conor Bradley returns from injury.