Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Barcelona to sign defender Ronald Araujo on loan, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The unexpected move would give Liverpool another option in defence during the current summer transfer window, with Barcelona sporting director Deco reported to have approved the deal.
Romano described the proposed transfer as a surprise, although the agreement is understood to be verbal at this stage. No further details about the length of the loan or any additional conditions have been provided.
Araujo is expected to join Liverpool as the English club look to strengthen their back line. The Uruguay international has been closely associated with Barcelona, but his position in the squad appears to have weakened under head coach Hansi Flick.
The German manager is said to favour Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin as his first-choice options in central defence for next season. As a result, Araujo has largely fallen out of Flick’s plans, creating the possibility of a temporary move away from Camp Nou.
The reported agreement would represent a notable change in direction for a player who has been regarded as an important defensive presence at Barcelona. However, the available information indicates that the transfer has not yet been presented as a completed deal, with negotiations currently based on an agreement between the two clubs.
Liverpool’s interest comes during the summer transfer window and is focused on adding depth to the defensive department. Araujo’s arrival would provide a new option for the club’s back line if the loan is formally completed.
Barcelona’s decision to sanction the move is reportedly supported by Deco, who has given his approval for the transfer to proceed. That agreement has helped establish the framework for Araujo’s potential switch to Anfield.
The report comes amid wider discussion around Barcelona’s defensive choices for the coming season. With Flick reportedly preparing to rely primarily on Cubarsi and Martin in central defence, Araujo’s reduced role has opened the door to a temporary departure.
For now, the deal remains at the verbal-agreement stage. Liverpool and Barcelona would still need to complete the formal steps required before the transfer can be confirmed, but the reported understanding has raised the prospect of Araujo becoming a Liverpool player for the upcoming campaign.
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