Ronald Araujo one step CLOSER to €50m Liverpool deal | OneFootball

Liverpool have been tipped to add to their centre-back options over the course of the next few transfer windows.

The injury to Giovanni Leoni, 18, has hastened Richard Hughes’ need for a new defender with the Reds now down to THREE senior fit centre-back options.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez will juggle duties between them until January at least - although there are long-term concerns over both Konate and Gomez.

Konate is out of contract in 2026 and no renewal appears to be on the horizon while Gomez could be sold to AC Milan for the right money.

Ronald Araujo in the frame for Liverpool

Accordingly the squad needs strengthening in the central defensive sector - which is why the loss of Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day was such a blow.

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But the Crystal Palace captain is not the only name on the list with Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo also emerging as a genuine option over the last few weeks.

The Uruguayan, 26, is under contract at Barcelona until 2031 but it’s thought the cash-strapped Catalans would listen to bids for their vice-captain around the €50m to €60m mark.

Upamecano in, Araujo out?

Liverpool have been mentioned as the most likely suitors for Araujo, who has had to settle for a place on the bench under Hansi Flick in recent matches.

And the latest reports from Spain indicate that Barca are making plans to REPLACE Araujo in the squad - with Dayot Upamecano being lined up for a bumper free transfer.

“The coach of FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick, has expressed interest in having Dayot Upamecano in his squad,” the report from Fichajes reads.

© IMAGO - Richard Hughes Arne Slot Liverpool

Flick wants Upamecano

“The possibility of signing him without a transfer fee makes him an even more attractive option for the club.”

Liverpool have ALSO been linked with Upamecano - who is out of contract at Bayern Munich in 2026.

“The contractual situation of Dayot Upamecano has drawn interest from several elite clubs,” the report reads.

“Teams like Real Madrid and Liverpool are also keen on signing the French defender.”

© IMAGO

Barca willing to get rid of Araujo

And Barca could raise money as well as make space for the France defender by listening to bids for Araujo - with Liverpool being touted as a prime destination.

“The potential departure of Ronald Araujo could pave the way for Upamecano's arrival,” the report continues.

“While Araujo has been a cornerstone in the blaugrana defense, his performance has been subject to debate.

“Some reports suggest the club might be open to offers for the Uruguayan center-back, creating space in the squad for Upamecano.”