Liverpool tried for another defender ahead of Guehi this summer | OneFootball

Liverpool Knocked Back In Surprise Ronald Araujo Enquiry

Centre-back Cover Still A Live Issue

Rousing The Kop have highlighted yet another twist in Liverpool’s uneasy relationship with defensive recruitment. Long before deadline day unravelled with the failed move for Marc Guehi, there was another bold, if unlikely, phone call placed by the Anfield hierarchy. According to Spanish outlet Sport, Liverpool reached out to Barcelona in an attempt to sign Ronald Araujo, only to be swiftly rejected.

The approach reportedly came as insurance against growing concerns over Ibrahima Konate’s fitness and contract situation. With Giovanni Leoni now ruled out for the season, and Joe Gomez not fully trusted by Arne Slot, the club were clearly casting the net wider than one target.

Araujo Firm On Barcelona Future

As Rousing The Kop reported, Liverpool’s enquiry received a firm rebuttal. Araujo “wanted to stay at Barcelona”. Juventus, Tottenham and Chelsea were given the exact same response. Even with his release clause said to have dropped towards £52m, the Uruguay international refused to entertain talks.

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jnr once described the defender as “very strong”, and few would dispute his quality when fully fit. At 26, he should be entering his peak years. Yet as the original report pointed out, Araujo has started to “slip down the pecking order at Camp Nou”, making this rejection even more frustrating from a Liverpool perspective.

Would Araujo Solve Liverpool’s Problem?

There is an argument that Araujo would be an ideal stopgap. Slot is staring at a bleak depth chart, and having someone of that calibre to rotate with Konate could bring stability. However, as Rousing The Kop concluded, “the Barca stopper is not the answer Liverpool are seeking”.

Liverpool do not merely need another body. They require someone capable of replacing Konate outright if his form does not recover. Araujo feels too similar, too uncertain, too prone to fluctuation.

January Decision Looms

The likelihood is that Liverpool will have to return to the market. Guehi slipped away due to timing. Araujo declined out of loyalty. Next time, hesitation cannot be tolerated.

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If Slot is to build a defensive pairing to last beyond this season, Liverpool must stop admiring profiles and start securing them decisively.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There is a difference between taking a swing and landing a punch. Liverpool have shown intent by calling Barcelona about Araujo, but intent alone does not win titles. Supporters will appreciate that the club were proactive, yet questions remain over why Guehi was allowed to drift so late into deadline day and why contingency plans did not move quicker.

Still, there is reason for optimism. If Liverpool are openly targeting players of Araujo’s pedigree, it suggests they are aware that depth alone will not be enough. Konate’s form cannot be ignored. Gomez is dependable but not dominant. Leoni’s injury was cruel timing. Something has to give.

January offers a chance to fix this. Fans will hope that whoever arrives is not merely third-choice cover, but someone capable of walking straight into the starting XI. Whether that is Guehi resurrected or another surprise name, there is trust that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes will not allow another window of dithering.

Araujo might have said no, but that is fine. Liverpool do not need someone reluctant. They need someone who sees Anfield as destiny, not backup.