Ronald Araujo revealed that he has been told to enjoy his time at Anfield by former Liverpool legend Luis Suarez following the completion of his season-long loan move.
Araujo will spend the 2026-27 campaign on Merseyside having fallen out of favour at Barcelona, while he also addresses Liverpool’s injury-hit defence in the process.
He can operate at centre-back and right-back, providing cover for Andoni Iraola, who is already without Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Jeremy Jacquet.
The 27-year-old was restricted to 16 starts in all competitions last season, having only made 17 in 2024-25. In each of Barcelona’s previous three campaigns, Araujo started at least 30 games before falling down the pecking order.
Hansi Flick admitted he had regrets over Araujo’s lack of gametime during his time in charge, and the defender will be aiming to rediscover his form at Anfield this season.
Araujo also joins a select group of Uruguayans to play for Liverpool, following in the footsteps of Sebastian Coates, Darwin Nunez and Suarez.
Suarez himself knows more than most about endearing him to the Liverpool faithful, having scored 82 goals in 132 appearances for the Reds, with Araujo explaining that his former international team-mate fuelled his interest in the Premier League.
“We loved watching the English Premier League and everyone in Uruguay gets up early in the morning to catch the games,” Araujo told the club’s website.
“Of course, as a kid I used to watch Luis playing all those fantastic games for Liverpool.
“We all know what he achieved, the history that he made within this club during his time here. So it’s fantastic.
“From minute one, I’ve been sort of asked about that kind of comparison since I arrived here. I get on really well with him, we’re quite close.
“Just a few minutes ago, I got a good luck message from him saying all the best, you’ve joined a great club and all the very best for your time here.”
Introducing our no.33 pic.twitter.com/T46iSceRLu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 10, 2026
Araujo arrives at a crucial time for Liverpool, who have one more pre-season fixture against Como this Sunday before their Premier League campaign begins on August 23.
The Reds were beaten 3-2 by Monaco last Sunday, with the defeat further highlighting Liverpool’s lack of depth not only in defence, but throughout their entire squad.
Virgil van Dijk started alongside the impressive 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe, before Wataru Endo partnered Luke Chambers for the final half an hour of the match.
Araujo brings with him a wealth of experience, having made 213 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona, winning eight major honours during his seven years at the Blaugrana, including three LaLiga titles.
The defender was also granted a mental health break of just over a month midway through 2025-26, but he is now relishing the chance to play in the Premier League.
“No doubt at all. I think my attributes will suit this league down to the ground,” Araujo said when asked whether his attributes would suit playing in the Premier League.
“I think the style of play in the English league should be perfect for my qualities as a player. It’s a league I’ve wanted to play in for a long time.
“It’s very, very competitive and some say – and why not? – it’s the best league in the world. So, I’m full of excitement, I’m full of hope, really wanting to get started, for sure.”
