
Anfield Index
·20. September 2025
World-class centre back told to join Liverpool by former star

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·20. September 2025
Former Liverpool star Luis Suarez is reportedly playing an active role in Liverpool’s pursuit of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. According to reports cited by TeamTalk, Suarez has ‘contacted’ his fellow Uruguayan and told him ‘to sign for Liverpool’. The article notes: “Luis Suarez calls and tells him that Liverpool are going all out for his signing.”
Photo: IMAGO
This revelation highlights just how highly Liverpool view Araujo, with the 26-year-old long regarded as one of Europe’s best defenders. Having been at Barcelona since 2018, the Uruguay international has already lifted La Liga twice and appears to have overcome past injury struggles.
Fresh reports suggest Liverpool are preparing a €50m (£43.3m) bid for Araujo, who is seen as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. With Juventus and Real Madrid also linked, competition for his signature is likely to intensify.
E-Noticies reinforced these claims, reporting that Araujo is aware Liverpool “are willing to pay €50million (£43.3m, $59m) for his services.”
Liverpool’s interest in Araujo shows forward planning. Van Dijk, now 34, remains a key figure, but succession planning is vital, also Konate’s contract situation rumbles on. Securing a player of Araujo’s calibre would future-proof the defence while maintaining the high standards that define Liverpool’s backline.
From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this story will spark plenty of excitement. Suarez remains a cult hero at Anfield, so hearing that he’s encouraging a compatriot to join Liverpool adds an emotional pull to the rumour.
Araujo ticks so many boxes: versatile enough to cover at right-back, dominant in the air, and a proven leader in high-pressure matches. Fans will recognise how closely this aligns with the qualities Van Dijk brought when he arrived. Succeeding such a legend is daunting, but Araujo’s profile feels as close to ideal as possible.
At the same time, supporters will be cautious. Barcelona rarely part with their top players cheaply, and with Araujo hitting peak form, a €50m price tag may be optimistic. Negotiations could drag, especially with other European giants circling.
Still, Suarez’s involvement adds intrigue. If his voice can persuade Araujo that Anfield is the right next step, Liverpool might gain an edge. For the fanbase, the prospect of seeing Araujo alongside Van Dijk for a couple seasons before taking over the mantle is hugely appealing.
Ultimately, while fans know transfer rumours can often fizzle out, this one feels like it carries a touch of credibility. With Slot beginning to shape his Liverpool side, the addition of Araujo would send a strong signal of intent that the club is planning not just for now, but for the next decade.