Daijiworld Media Network - Liverpool
Liverpool, Aug 11: Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo has described his move to Liverpool as an “ideal move” after completing a season-long loan from Barcelona on Monday.
The 27-year-old defender has taken a pay cut to facilitate the transfer. Liverpool also have an option to sign Araujo permanently for a pre-agreed fee reportedly worth £47 million ($63 million) if the move proves successful.
“It was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. It was a move that was necessary for me to take,” Araujo told Liverpool’s official website.
“As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly. I’m super happy to be here and excited to get started,” he added.
Liverpool identified defence as an area requiring reinforcement following the departure of Ibrahima Konate at the end of his contract and ongoing injury concerns at right back.
Araujo’s experience is considered a major asset for Liverpool. He was appointed Barcelona captain in January and arrives fully prepared for the new season after featuring in the Catalan club’s pre-season preparations.
The defender is expected to join Liverpool’s squad training this week.
Araujo’s versatility will provide manager Andoni Iraola with additional defensive options. Although primarily a central defender, he can also operate at right back.
His arrival gives Liverpool greater defensive depth than they had last season under former manager Arne Slot. New signing Jeremy Jacquet is expected to return to training after recovering from a knee injury, while Giovanni Leoni is in the final stages of rehabilitation from an ACL injury.
Young defenders Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Ndiaye, both 18, have impressed during pre-season. However, with Joe Gomez not expected to be fit for the start of the new Premier League campaign, Iraola wanted another experienced defender.
Liverpool were heavily reliant on Virgil van Dijk and Konate for much of last season, with the pair featuring in almost every match.
Araujo’s arrival is therefore expected to provide valuable experience, versatility and depth to Liverpool’s defence ahead of the new Premier League season.