Liverpool is reportedly eyeing a move for Barcelona’s centre-back, Ronald Araujo, as a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk.
According to Nacional Cat, Liverpool is assessing its options for a new central defender this summer, with Araujo emerging as a potential target.
Van Dijk’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, and it appears that the Netherlands international could leave Liverpool on a free transfer.
While Van Dijk has continued to perform well for Liverpool, uncertainty surrounds his future at the club, leading Liverpool to explore other defensive options.
Araujo, 26, has made just 14 appearances for Barcelona this season, partly due to a hamstring injury he sustained last summer while on international duty with Uruguay.
Despite being in and out of the starting lineup for Barcelona, Araujo is still highly regarded for his defensive abilities, including his strength, speed, and impressive recovery skills.
He signed a new contract with Barcelona in January, keeping him at the club until June 2031.
However, Barcelona’s squad depth, especially with Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in excellent form, may lead to tough decisions being made.
Barcelona could be open to offers for Araujo, with the club potentially willing to listen to bids around €60m (£51m), which would represent good value for a player of his quality.
Liverpool sees an opportunity to sign Araujo, particularly if Van Dijk departs the club.
Barcelona is expected to make a high-profile sale this summer, and Araujo could be one of the players sacrificed.
Araujo’s strengths would make him an ideal fit for the Premier League, and Liverpool could move quickly if Barcelona signals their willingness to sell.
However, Liverpool may face competition for Araujo’s signature, with Bayern Munich and Manchester United also linked with the player.
Araujo, who joined Barcelona from Boston River in 2018, has since made 164 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals and assisting 7 times.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
