Barcelona's Stronghold Defender Targeted in Liverpool's €60 Million Bid
Barcelona's centre-back Ronald Araujo is being targeted for negotiations by Liverpool, as the English club looks to bolster its defence this summer [1][3][5]. The Reds have expressed a keen interest in the Uruguayan international, with a formal €60 million bid reportedly in the works [2][5].
Liverpool's interest in Araujo comes after two rejected bids for Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi [1][3]. The Merseyside club's pursuit of a centre-back is due to ongoing injury problems with Joe Gomez and the approaching end of Virgil van Dijk's career at Anfield [4].
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Liverpool has been given the opportunity to negotiate for Araujo this summer [1][5]. However, as of now, no offer has been made that meets the €60 million release clause in Araujo's contract [1]. Araujo himself has expressed a desire to stay at Barcelona, but the ongoing negotiations could potentially change his mind [1][5].
Liverpool's renewed interest in Araujo could prompt Barcelona to reconsider their stance, especially given the urgency with which Liverpool wants to strengthen its defence [1][5]. The transfer saga remains active but unsettled as of mid-August 2025 [2][5].
Araujo, who has made over 150 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists, could be a significant addition to Liverpool's squad if the deal materializes [1]. The potential transfer could also be a major summer transfer story, especially considering the void left by Jarell Quansah's move to Bayer Leverkusen, which has left Liverpool with only three senior centre-backs [1].
Meanwhile, Liverpool's long-serving defender Virgil van Dijk is approaching the end of his career at Anfield, adding to the need for reinforcements in the defence [4]. The transfer market is abuzz with speculation, and only time will tell whether Araujo will be the one to fill the void for the Reds.
[1] The Guardian: Liverpool prepare €60m bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo [2] Sky Sports: Liverpool eye Barcelona's Araujo as Guehi deal stalls [3] ESPN: Liverpool target Ronald Araujo as alternative to Marc Guehi [4] BBC Sport: Liverpool's defensive woes: The injury crisis at Anfield [5] The Athletic: Liverpool's pursuit of Ronald Araujo: What we know so far
- Amidst ongoing negotiations, Liverpool's interest in Barcelona's centre-back Ronald Araujo could potentially lead to a significant addition to their squad, with a reported €60 million bid in the works.
- Liverpool's pursuit of Araujo is due to ongoing injury problems with Joe Gomez and the approaching end of Virgil van Dijk's career at Anfield, leaving them with only three senior centre-backs.
- Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Liverpool has been given the opportunity to negotiate for Araujo this summer, but as of now, no offer has met the €60 million release clause in Araujo's contract.
- Araujo, with over 150 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists, could be a major summer transfer story, especially considering the void left by Jarell Quansah's move to Bayer Leverkusen.
- The transfer saga remains active but unsettled, with Araujo expressing a desire to stay at Barcelona, but negotiations could potentially change his mind.
- The ongoing negotiations and the approaching end of van Dijk's career at Anfield have added to the speculation in the transfer market, with only time telling whether Araujo will be the one to fill the void for the Reds.
