Liverpool sign Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on season-long loan
Liverpool have signed Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan for the 2026-27 campaign, the club announced on August 10, 2026. He will wear the No.33 jersey for Liverpool.
Araujo is a 27-year-old Uruguay international who can operate at centre-back and provide cover at right-back. He made 213 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and supplying seven assists. At international level he has 27 caps for Uruguay and has scored once. Since joining Barcelona in 2018 he has lifted three La Liga titles, the latest coming last season, and he was handed the captain’s armband earlier this year.
On joining Liverpool Araujo said: "I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy." He added: "I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going." He also described the move as "the ideal move for me at this stage in my career" and said interest from Liverpool set events "really, really quickly."
Liverpool's acquisition is intended to add depth to their defensive options while the club manages long-term absences of Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni. The agreement reportedly gives Liverpool the option to make Araujo’s move permanent for around £47 million, although the clause is not obligatory. Araujo is Liverpool’s third signing of the summer, following Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz.
The club statement added: "We have agreed a deal to sign Ronald Araujo on loan from FC Barcelona for the 2026-27 season, subject to a successful work permit application and international clearance."
