LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Liverpool have completed the signing of Uruguay centre-back Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
The 27-year-old defender, who joined Barcelona from Boston River in 2018, arrives with an option to buy.
Araujo expressed his delight at the move, saying: “I’m excited to be here at this massive club.”
He added: “I’m excited to meet my team-mates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated.”
The Uruguayan international continued: “It was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career.”
“I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take,” Araujo explained confidently.
“As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly,” he said.
Liverpool have been searching for defensive reinforcements following Ibrahima Konate’s departure to Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Araujo brings significant experience, having made over 200 appearances for Barcelona, winning three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.
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He was even handed the captaincy in January after goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen left on loan.
Despite his contract running until 2031, Araujo only made 11 league starts last season as Barcelona lifted their 29th Spanish title.
Liverpool hope his arrival will bolster their backline ahead of the Premier League opener against Newcastle United on August 23.
The signing signals intent from Liverpool, who are determined to remain competitive both domestically and in Europe this season.
