Liverpool 'working on' permanent Ronald Araujo deal

Liverpool working behind the scenes to activate Araujo's £47m permanent option after impressive loan displays; decision expected before summer.

Liverpool are in active discussions to sign Ronald Araujo permanently from Barcelona, according to sources close to the club. The 27-year-old defender arrived on loan during the summer and has quickly established himself as a key player under manager Andoni Iraola, impressing particularly in the 2-0 win against Brighton with crucial goal-saving blocks and tackles.

Araujo's loan deal includes a £47 million option to buy, which Liverpool are now working to activate. While a final decision is unlikely until closer to the end of the season as the club continues to assess his consistency and reliability, the manager and recruitment staff are already leaning towards making the move permanent and have begun laying the groundwork behind the scenes.

Araujo's versatility—able to play both right-back and centre-back—has made him a valuable asset. Liverpool are also exploring other defensive options including Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck, Nottingham Forest's Murillo, Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni, and Barcelona's Jules Kounde, as they look to strengthen across the back line ahead of next summer's transfer window.