Barcelona’s captain arrived on Merseyside on a season-long loan on Monday, with Liverpool holding an option to buy the Uruguay international for around €55m (£47.14m) next summer, the deal was confirmed. Liverpool are paying no loan fee and will cover his wages in full, with the 27-year-old accepting a pay cut to push the move through.
In his first interview as a Liverpool player, Araujo said his mind was made up as soon as the approach came.
“I think 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.”
“As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly.”
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Flick set the terms at Barcelona
The starting point was a talk with Flick, who told Araujo he would not be a regular starter in the coming season. The defender started only 11 LaLiga matches in the previous campaign.
Flick did not hide it when asked about the exit after Barcelona’s pre-season tournament in Italy on Saturday.
“He is a very good person and an exceptional player, but our style of play is slightly different,” the German said.
“I said goodbye to him this morning and saw that he was happy. Liverpool is a great club, and I wish him the best.”
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Barcelona’s own statement was one line.
“FC Barcelona and Liverpool FC have agreed the loan of Ronald Araujo until June 30, 2027. Good luck, Ronald!”
Van Dijk the reference at Anfield
Araujo, who joined Barcelona from Boston River in 2018 and was named club captain in January after Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s loan move to Girona, arrives at a defense being reshaped in Andoni Iraola’s first summer as Liverpool head coach.
He pointed to Virgil van Dijk as one of the reasons for the switch.
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“He’s a kind of role model and reference for me personally as well.”
“I am excited to have that opportunity and enjoy learning from him.”
The Uruguayan was clear about the target for the season.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, the aim is to win trophies, win things.”
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Iraola’s Liverpool open the Premier League season against Newcastle in less than three weeks.
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