Araujo to join Liverpool on season-long loan from Barcelona

The 27-year-old Uruguayan arrives at Anfield as cover following significant injury issues in Liverpool's backline. Joe Gomez picked up a muscle problem during pre-season, while fellow defenders Giovanni Leoni (ACL recovery) and Jeremy Jacquet (shoulder surgery) remain sidelined, leaving Virgil van Dijk as the only fully-fit senior option at centre-back.

Araujo, who has made over 200 appearances for Barcelona since joining from Uruguay in 2018, signed a fresh contract until 2031 last season but fell out of favour under the Spanish club's management. He featured in just 11 LaLiga matches last term following an extended absence in November 2025 as he recovered from depression.

The capture represents a coup for manager Andoni Iraola, bringing established European experience to shore up a depleted defensive unit. Jacquet, signed from Rennes this summer, has featured sparingly in pre-season and boasts fewer than 100 senior career appearances overall.

Separately, according to Sky Sports, Liverpool have explored signing Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola but face a valuation standoff. The Reds value the 23-year-old at £145m, creating a significant gap with PSG's asking price.