Official news: Liverpool have signed 27‑year‑old Barcelona centre‑back Ronald Araujo on a one‑season loan deal. Araujo will wear the number 33 jersey.
As previously reported by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool will cover 100 percent of the player’s salary, with a €55‑million option‑to‑buy clause included.
Liverpool official statement:
Liverpool have reached an agreement for the loan signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. The Uruguay international will represent the Reds throughout the 2026‑27 season, subject to the successful granting of a work permit and completion of international transfer formalities.
The experienced Uruguay international made over 200 appearances for the La Liga side after joining Barcelona in 2018.
Araujo helped the club secure three La Liga titles, including the most recent one concluded last season — and he was appointed club captain earlier this year.
He officially completed his loan transfer to Anfield today, strengthening Andoni Iraola’s defensive unit ahead of the new campaign.
The 27‑year‑old will wear the number 33 jersey. Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Araujo said: “I cannot wait to get started. I am very, very happy. I am thrilled to join this great club with such a magnificent history. I cannot wait to meet my new teammates, I cannot wait to step onto the pitch. I am full of motivation and I am ready.”
“I believe this is the ideal next step at this stage of my career. I feel this is the choice I had to make. When I heard about Liverpool’s interest in me, everything moved very, very quickly.”
“As I said, I am overjoyed to be here and really looking forward to this new beginning. I am grateful for the club’s interest; this is the right decision at the right moment.”
Araujo is a centre‑back who can also operate as a right‑back. His professional career began with Rentistas in his native Uruguay.
After spending one season with Uruguayan side Boston River, he moved to Barcelona to embark on his European adventure, initially turning out for Barcelona B. Araujo made his first‑team debut for Barcelona in 2019 and became a regular first‑team squad member from the 2020‑21 campaign onwards.
To date, he has turned out 213 times for Barcelona, scoring 14 goals. He has lifted two Copa del Rey titles, three Spanish Super Cups and three La Liga championships with the club.
Araujo has also earned 27 caps and scored one goal for the Uruguay national team.
