Liverpool close to signing Ronald Araujo on loan

Liverpool were close to signing Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The deal included an option to buy Araujo, who was expected to link up with the Liverpool squad that weekend. The 27-year-old centre-back had helped Barcelona win La Liga in three of the past four seasons and ended last season as club captain.

Araujo was under contract until 2031 but had only made 11 league starts last season, with Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi emerging as Barcelona's preferred central defensive pairing. After joining Barcelona from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018, Araujo made more than 200 appearances for the Spanish giants. Liverpool sought to strengthen their defence after Ibrahima Konate left the Reds to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.