An agreement between Liverpool and Barcelona over Ronald Araújo’s loan move became clear late on Friday, with the Reds also reaching an agreement with the defender over personal terms.
Araújo travelling to England for Liverpool medical
Barcelona are due to face Nottingham Forest in a friendly in Italy later today, but Mundo Deportivo report that Araújo is no longer part of Hansi Flick’s travelling squad.
Instead, the Uruguay international is expected to travel to England today to undergo his medical with Liverpool before putting pen to paper on his contract.
Details of Liverpool’s agreement
Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool are set to sign Araújo on loan with an option to buy at the end of the temporary spell.
According to sources involved in the negotiations, the purchase option has been set at €55 million, with no loan fee reportedly included in the agreement.
The move would likely see Liverpool take responsibility for most, if not all, of Araújo’s wages during his time at Anfield. There is also a belief that the Premier League and Liverpool’s style of football could be an ideal fit for the defender’s energetic and aggressive approach.
Barcelona turn attention to Cristian Romero
Araújo’s expected departure has also prompted Barcelona to enter the race for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero.
The Catalan giants’ interest could have a major impact on Atlético Madrid’s pursuit of the Argentina international. Atlético already have an agreement with both Tottenham and Romero, but Barcelona’s involvement could still derail their plans.
Araújo’s injury concerns
One concern surrounding Araújo is his injury history. The defender has experienced several muscle problems in recent seasons, alongside other fitness issues.
Last season, he was unavailable on five separate occasions and also suffered a calf injury in June.
The Uruguay international also previously took an indefinite break from football after going through a difficult period of intense pressure and scrutiny.
