Liverpool unsure about €55m permanent move for Barcelona defender despite bright start | OneFootball

While it is still early days, it would not be wrong to say that FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo made the right choice with his loan move to Liverpool.

The Uruguayan defender, who had fallen down the pecking order under Hansi Flick, opted to move to Anfield in the summer. He has adapted seamlessly to his new club and has become one of the key figures in Andoni Iraola’s new project.

The numbers speak for themselves. With Araujo on the pitch, Liverpool have yet to concede a goal in the Premier League.

The defender is currently playing at right-back after initially featuring at centre-back, and his performances have been highly impressive.

Doubts over permanent move

Already an Anfield favourite, Araujo could be signed permanently for €55 million from June onwards.

However, Liverpool Echo (h/t SPORT) reports that a permanent deal is currently considered difficult because it would conflict with the recruitment strategy of the club’s owners.

Araujo has started off well at Liverpool. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Indeed, the Merseyside club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), tend to make major financial investments in players they believe have greater long-term market potential.

It could make them reluctant to shell out a large sum on Araujo in the summer of 2027.

Iraola has been convinced from the start

According to the report, Araujo’s arrival initially raised doubts among Liverpool supporters. The club had struggled to make its loans work over the previous decade, while the defender arrived having seemingly fallen out of favour at Barcelona.

However, manager Iraola was convinced from the beginning that Araujo was the right player for his team, and the relatively straightforward loan arrangement helped make the move possible.

The Spanish coach believed that Araujo’s attributes were particularly well suited to the Premier League. His physical strength and defensive versatility have allowed him to make an immediate impact.

Liverpool have a €55m buy option for Araujo. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Araujo has also settled into both the team and life in the city. The defender had previously been reluctant to leave Barcelona and once rejected an offer from Juventus, but he now feels important again at a major European club.

Liverpool face a decision over the €55 million option

There is still plenty of time before Liverpool have to decide whether to activate the purchase option. The Reds have only permanently signed two players following loan spells in the past decade, with most loanees eventually returning to their parent clubs.

Araujo’s age is another factor that could work against a permanent deal, particularly given FSG’s preference for investments with significant future value.

However, if the Uruguayan maintains his current level of performance, Liverpool will have a difficult decision to make.

The club could also look to negotiate a lower final fee, particularly because Araujo’s salary is among the highest in the squad.