Liverpool are close to finalizing a season-long loan deal for Barcelona defender Ronald Araújo as they seek to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season. The 27-year-old Uruguay international, who has served as captain for Barcelona, is expected to undergo a medical as part of the process.

Liverpool’s need for defensive reinforcements has intensified due to a number of injury setbacks. Captain Virgil van Dijk remains the only fully fit senior centre-back available, with Joe Gomez sidelined for several weeks due to a muscle issue. Other defensive players, including new signing Jeremy Jacquet recovering from shoulder surgery, Giovanni Leoni still awaiting return from an ACL injury suffered last September, and teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe being ineligible, have compounded the problem. At right-back, Conor Bradley remains out following a serious knee injury, while Jeremie Frimpong has faced ongoing fitness challenges since joining from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.

Araújo’s versatility is seen as a key benefit, as he can play both at centre-back and right-back, addressing two critical areas for manager Andoni Iraola ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United on August 23. Although Araújo has made over 200 appearances for Barcelona during his eight years at the club, he has not been a regular starter in recent seasons and is now set for this loan move.

Financial details of the deal include an option to buy at the end of the season, reportedly valued at around €55 million (approximately £47 million), though Liverpool are not currently focused on a permanent transfer. The club will cover Araújo’s wages for the duration of the loan.

In addition to defensive reinforcements, Liverpool continue to pursue attacking options, maintaining interest in Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola. However, negotiations have been complicated by PSG’s valuation, reportedly set at £145 million, a figure Liverpool consider prohibitive at this stage.

Liverpool’s defensive challenges reflect a broader effort to prepare a balanced squad ahead of a demanding campaign under Iraola’s new leadership. The expected arrival of Araújo comes as the club hosts Monaco in a friendly at Anfield, providing an early test of their squad depth and readiness.