Liverpool have signed Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal that includes an option to buy.
The 27-year-old, who joined Barcelona from Boston River in 2018 and can also play at right-back, said he was delighted with the move.
“I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my team-mates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going,” he said. “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.
Liverpool moved for Araujo after France defender Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid on a free transfer. Araujo has played more than 200 times for Barcelona, winning three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies. He was also made captain in January after goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen went out on loan.
Araujo is contracted to Barcelona until 2031 but started only 11 league games last season as the club won their 29th Spanish title.
His time under Hansi Flick was limited, with Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi preferred in central defence. In December, Araujo took time away to focus on his mental health after being sent off against Chelsea in the Champions League.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo in February, he said he “had not been well for a while”, adding: “I had anxiety for 18 months and it became depression.”
Araujo has 27 Uruguay caps. His international team-mate Darwin Nunez welcomed him to Liverpool, calling it a “great club”.
Liverpool’s defence is also dealing with injuries to Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.
