Ronald Araujo found his playing time limited under Barca manager Hansi Flick, who arrived in May 2024, as Spaniards Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi became the club's preferred central defensive pairing.

In December, he was granted a leave of absence by the club to prioritise his mental health, following his sending off in the Champions League defeat by Chelsea a few weeks earlier.

After spending time with his family in Uruguay, Araujo returned to training at Barca in January, scoring on his first start since his break in the club's Copa del Rey quarter-final win at Albacete a month later.

Speaking to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo in February, the defender said he "had not been well for a while", adding: "I had anxiety for 18 months and it became depression."

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The structure of the deal reflects Liverpool's need to solve an immediate problem rather than make a long-term commitment - at this stage.

They wanted a defender who could operate both at centre-back and right-back, and Araujo's versatility and physical profile made him an attractive option.

With Ibrahima Konate leaving for Real Madrid in the summer, Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool's only fit senior centre-back, making the need for reinforcements increasingly obvious.

Araujo, with his strength, pace and experience at one of Europe's top clubs, was viewed as a player capable of helping Liverpool through that period. His leadership capabilities were also seen as a positive factor.

At Barcelona, not only did his acceleration allow them to defend a high line with confidence but, at 6ft 4in tall, his frame made him a formidable presence in physical contests and aerial duels.

He will wear the number 33 shirt.

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Liverpool

So, why have Liverpool signed Ronald Araujo?

As well as Ibrahima Konate's departure, Liverpool's other centre-back options - Joe Gomez, new signing Jeremy Jacquet and Italian teenager Giovanni Leoni - are all continuing their recoveries from injury.

Frenchman Jacquet, 21, officially joined the Reds last month in a £60m deal from Rennes, but has not played in any of the club's pre-season friendly games so far because of a minor knee issue.

New head coach Andoni Iraola told LFCTV Jacquet "should be fine" to be included in Liverpool's double-header against Como on Sunday.

Iraola paired 35-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk with Austrian teenager Ifeanyi Ndukwe in defence in the 3-2 friendly defeat by Monaco at Anfield at the weekend.

Ndukwe, who is 6ft 6in, became a Liverpool player this summer after agreeing a move from Austria Vienna in January.

The 18-year-old has impressed during pre-season, however, Iraola will not be able to use him this year as he does not yet qualify for a UK work permit.

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Homegrown players

• Conor Bradley
• Jeremie Frimpong
• Joe Gomez
• Curtis Jones
• Harvey Elliott
• Fabian Mrozek
• Rhys Williams
• Freddie Woodman
• Vítězslav Jaroš
• Harvey Davies
• Owen Beck
• Luke Chambers
• Isaac Mabaya
• James McConnell
• Stefan Bajcetic
• Kaide Gordon

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Non-homegrown players

• Alisson Becker
• Federico Chiesa
• Hugo Ekitike
• Wataru Endo
• Cody Gakpo
• Ryan Gravenberch
• Alexander Isak
• Ronald Araujo
• Milos Kerkez

• Alexis Mac Allister
• Giorgi Mamardashvili
• Calvin Ramsay

• Dominik Szoboszlai
• Virgil van Dijk
• Florian Wirtz
• Victor Munoz
• Kostas Tsimikas

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All 20 Premier League clubs have to submit a squad list consisting of no more than 25 senior players.

The full list of every team's registered squad is published by the Premier League shortly after the closure of each transfer window.

As part of that squad, clubs can register a maximum of 17 players not classed as a 'homegrown player'.

A homegrown player is a player who, regardless of their nationality or age, has been affiliated with any English or Welsh club for a period of three entire seasons or 36 months before their 21st birthday.

The same rules apply to players who have three seasons or 36 months as a registered player prior to the end of the season in which that player turns 21.

A club’s Under-21 players are not included on the 25-man squad lists.

An example of this is Chelsea's Brazilian striker Joao Pedro. The 23-year-old, born in Sao Paulo, joined Watford in 2020 aged 18. Because he spent three consecutive years before turning 21 in England, he is considered homegrown.

Araujo is the 17th senior non-homegrown player, which hits the limit.

With Liverpool also pushing to sign French winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint‑Germain, it’s now effectively a one‑in, one‑out situation at Anfield.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool have been looking to strengthen their defence this summer after France international Ibrahima Konate left the club to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Araujo has made more than 200 appearances for Barca, winning three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies, and was given the captaincy in January following the loan departure of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Spanish football commentator Alvaro Romeo says three years ago Araujo was "a colossus" during Barca's title-winning run.

"He was phenomenal in defence and the best defender in La Liga by far," Romeo told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"But then after he got injuries, a little bit of absent-mindedness, in some moments he lost concentration.

"If he can regain that, which is not impossible in my opinion, then he's going to be a very good asset for Liverpool."

Araujo is under contract at the Nou Camp until 2031 but he only made 11 league starts last season as Barca were crowned Spanish champions for the 29th time.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool

Liverpool have signed Uruguay centre-back Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona.

The deal for the 27-year-old, who joined Barca from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018 and can also play right-back, includes an option to buy.

"I'm excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I'm excited to meet my team-mates, excited to get started playing, and I'm very motivated and really up for getting going," he said.

"It was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take.

"As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly."

Let's get started with a major deal that went through yesterday - which saw the captain of the Spanish champions move to the Premier League...

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