Ronald Araujo’s flexibility has made him an increasingly important figure for Liverpool, with the Barcelona loanee filling gaps at right-back and centre-back during the club’s injury problems.
The Uruguay international has started eight of Liverpool’s 10 games under Andoni Iraola since joining on a season-long loan. Six of those appearances have come at right-back and four in central defence.
Araujo scored his first Liverpool goal with a header against LASK last week before setting up Dominik Szoboszlai with a backheel in the game against Atletico Madrid.
His opportunities have increased with Conor Bradley absent since January because of a knee injury and Jeremie Frimpong ruled out until the November international break with a muscle problem. Araujo is also taking English lessons as he adjusts to life at Anfield.
The 27-year-old, who regularly carries the Uruguayan drink Mate with him, said he and his family had settled happily in England.
“I came from a big side, as is Liverpool. I think people here, it’s almost like they are more intense when you go down the street, when you go out to the centre of Liverpool, or when you go out to eat something. But that’s lovely. You see how they experience football themselves,” he said on Monday.
“I am really happy here. My family is very happy, and that’s also very important. I’m just really hungry to go on this season and give the best I can of myself and continue to learn and grow as a player. I’m having that game time, and that’s what I want, and then we’ll see what happens and what I want for the future.”
Araujo was given leave by Barcelona last season to prioritise his mental health. His move to Liverpool followed a wage cut, while the Reds have an option to buy him for £47m in the summer.
That fee is considered an unlikely outcome for now, and Araujo insisted it was too soon to discuss what comes next.
“It’s very early to talk about these things,” he said. “I’m just trying to enjoy every day and continue to develop and to play and to give what’s required of me to have that confidence. I’m really happy to be here, but it’s a bit early to be talking about those things.”
Liverpool face defensive decisions
Liverpool did not originally plan to sign Araujo, but their injury crisis prompted them to act. Iraola said the defender’s willingness to play in different positions had been central to the move.
“Then we talked to the player – the first conversation I had with him was quite encouraging. You see a hungry and experienced player who has played in a top club and is willing to show the level,” he said.
With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez out of contract this summer, sporting director Julian Ward must assess Liverpool’s options. Jeremy Jacquet, 21, has impressed since joining from Rennes, while 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni is targeting a return next month from the ACL injury sustained on his debut in September 2025.
Liverpool can also buy back Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen. Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, is on loan at Levante in La Liga, while 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye is viewed as another future option.
Araujo’s celebrations are intended to give glory to God rather than claim credit for himself. His immediate task, he says, is to repeat his performances.
“Coming to a club like Liverpool is not easy. There are demands and responsibilities,” he said. “You play well in one game, but you have to come back and do that again.”
