Liverpool are reportedly considering a summer move for Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, with the Reds assessing their options ahead of this summer's transfer window.
Virgil van Dijk's contract at Anfield is due to expire at the end of June, and as it stands, the Netherlands international will be leaving the Merseyside giants on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old has again been outstanding for Liverpool this season, but there is severe doubt when it comes to his future, and the Reds are said to be assessing the centre-back options available to them.
According to Nacional Cat, Liverpool are keen on Araujo, with a deal for the Uruguay international thought to be a possibility despite the fact that he has only just signed a new deal with Barcelona.
The 26-year-old was linked with a move away from Barcelona during the January transfer window, but he ultimately penned a new contract towards the end of the month, with his agreement now running until June 2031.
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Liverpool 'considering summer move for Araujo'
Araujo has only made 14 appearances for Barcelona this season, having missed the opening months of the campaign while he recovered from a hamstring injury that he suffered while representing his country last summer.
The South American is not a guaranteed starter for Hansi Flick's side at this moment in time, though, with both Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez in excellent form during the 2024-25 campaign.
There had been some doubt surrounding Martinez's future, with his deal due to expire this summer, but he has now signed an extension until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Liverpool allegedly believe that they could take advantage of the situation to move for Araujo this summer, as Arne Slot's side prepare for the possibility of losing Van Dijk on a free transfer.
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Would Araujo be a good signing for Liverpool?
Barcelona would allegedly be willing to listen to offers of around €60m (£51m) for Araujo, which would make him a bargain considering his quality, and the Reds should not pass up the chance to sign him if a deal becomes a possibility.
The Catalan team will be reluctant to lose a player of Araujo's quality, especially after only just signing him to a new contract, but the form of Cubarsi and Martinez could lead to some difficult decisions being made.
Barcelona are expected to make a big-money sale during the summer market, and Araujo boasts the skillset required to be a success in the Premier League considering his strength, speed and impressive recovery skills.
Liverpool are unlikely to be the only club in for Araujo if it becomes clear that Barcelona are open to a sale, with Bayern Munich potentially reigning their interest, while Manchester United have also been linked with him.
Araujo made the move to Camp Nou from Boston River in August 2018, and he has represented the Catalan side on 164 occasions, scoring 10 times and registering seven assists in the process.
Matt Law
