Liverpool may be testing whether Ronald Araujo can eventually replace captain Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires in June 2027.
Van Dijk will be 36 at the start of the 2027/28 campaign and, despite players increasingly continuing into their mid-thirties, the centre-back appears to have lost some pace over the past 12-18 months. Liverpool therefore face the possibility of having to plan for the end of the influential Dutchman’s time at Anfield.
Araujo’s loan move from Barcelona could offer an opportunity to assess whether he is capable of becoming that successor. The Uruguay international was once regarded as untouchable at the Catalan club and was made captain, with his aerial strength and speed making him an outstanding example of the modern centre-back.
However, a series of high-profile errors affected his standing. In Barcelona’s 2024 Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain, Araujo was sent off for a needless challenge on Bradley Barcola while his side were in control. The dismissal changed the tie’s outcome.
A similar incident occurred last season during a Champions League game against Chelsea, when a late challenge on Marc Cucurella again resulted in a red card and left Barcelona unable to stay in the contest.
After that dismissal, Araujo admitted he needed help with depression and mental health problems. Barcelona granted him an indefinite leave of absence and only brought him back when he felt ready. Even then, he struggled to regain his place during the second half of last season, leading to his loan move to Liverpool.
His performances since the beginning of last season, allowing for the few months he missed, have been encouraging. Araujo has won 25 of 36 tackles, giving him a best success rate of 77.78%. He has also made 63 headed clearances, 95 clearances overall and 14 interceptions, while regaining possession 79 times. He has committed no errors leading to goals.
The 27-year-old has lost only 36 of 120 aerial duels and has also been effective in ground battles, losing 73 of 201 attempted one-on-ones. Although he has occasionally been caught by balls over the top, his athleticism remains a significant strength.
His passing has also been reliable. Araujo recorded 92% pass completion in the league last season, while his lowest figure since the beginning of 25/26 is 84.62% in Liverpool’s current Champions League campaign. He has completed 33 of 39 passes in that competition for the Reds.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has praised his impact, particularly at right-back.
“Liverpool have had an issue at right-back. That was the point in bringing him in. He wasn't just brought in at centre-back; it was to do a job at right-back,” he said.
“He's almost become a cult hero already. The fans have absolutely fallen in love with him straight away.”
Liverpool have an option to make Araujo’s move permanent. If he stays fit and maintains his form throughout the rest of the 2026/27 campaign, he could establish himself as a long-term presence at Anfield.