Ronald Araujo was initially viewed as a temporary solution, but the Barcelona loanee is becoming one of Liverpool’s most important players this season.
The 27-year-old Uruguay international has started eight of Liverpool’s 10 matches under Andoni Iraola, featuring six times at right-back and four at centre-back.
His importance has grown as Conor Bradley remains out with a knee injury sustained in January, while Jeremie Frimpong will miss games until the November international break because of a muscle problem.
Araujo scored his first Liverpool goal with a header against LASK last week and then provided a backheel assist for Dominik Szoboszlai against Atletico Madrid. He is also taking English lessons as he settles into life on Merseyside.
Those close to him say he regularly carries mate, the caffeinated South American drink made by steeping dry leaves in warm water, in keeping with his Uruguayan background. His goal celebration, meanwhile, is intended to give glory to God rather than credit to himself.
“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,” Araujo 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.”
Araujo, who has 29 caps for Uruguay, was given a leave of absence by Barcelona last season to prioritise his mental health. His move to England suited all parties, although Liverpool initially regarded him as a short-term answer.
He took a pay cut to join on a season-long loan, with Liverpool holding an option to buy him for £47m in the summer. That fee makes a permanent transfer unlikely for now, but Araujo is focused on demonstrating his value.
“It’s very early to talk about these things,” he said when asked about his future. “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.”
Liverpool face defensive decisions
Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward will have major decisions to make with the contracts of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez expiring this summer.
The club have several centre-back options. Jeremy Jacquet, 21, has impressed since arriving from Rennes, while 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni is expected to return next month from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered on his debut in September 2025.
Liverpool can also buy back Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen, while 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, currently on loan at Levante in La Liga, and 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye are regarded as players for the future.
Araujo was not part of Liverpool’s original summer plans, but their injury crisis prompted the move.
“Ronald [Araujo] was one of those situations that before the market was not there and the situation appeared,” Iraola said. “You see a hungry and experienced player who has played in a top club and is willing to show the level.”
Araujo knows he must reproduce that standard every week.
“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.”
