Ronald Araujo and Liverpool are moving closer to making the Uruguay international’s season-long loan permanent in 2027, with Barcelona no longer expected to have control over the defender’s future.
Araujo joined Andoni Iraola’s team from LaLiga champions Barcelona at the start of the 2026/27 season after falling down Hansi Flick’s defensive pecking order in Catalonia.
The move to Merseyside has helped revive the 27-year-old’s career after an injury-disrupted period. Iraola has also deployed him at right-back, while Jeremy Jacquet has partnered Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
Liverpool are prepared to activate the £47 million purchase clause included in the original loan agreement. However, Araujo has postponed discussions over his future until at least the start of 2027.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Barcelona do not intend to bring Araujo back into their squad. That means any decision over a permanent transfer will rest with Liverpool and the player.
If Araujo agrees to the terms offered by Liverpool, Barcelona will be unable to block the deal and are not expected to attempt to do so. His departure would also give Flick the opportunity to sign another defender next summer.