Big News at Anfield! Liverpool is looking at Ronald Araujo as the new pillar of their defense

Ronald Araujo seems to be the center-back chosen by Liverpool to cover the possible departure of Virgil van Dijk this summer. The Dutchman’s contract expires in June and, for now, his renewal, like that of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, remains completely stalled. To make matters worse, the 'blow' of being eliminated from the Champions League in the round of 16 is a heavy blow for the finances of a 'reds' team that will have a lot of work ahead in planning their squad for the 2025/26 season.

In this sense, the latest information from Merseyside points to Liverpool's interest in the second captain of FC Barcelona. Coach Arne Slot knows very well that, for now, the '4' from Barcelona does not have guaranteed starting status with Hansi Flick's team and will try to convince him to accept the offer from the virtual Premier League champion. With a better salary and greater sporting prominence, the 'reds' hope to have enough arguments to convince the 26-year-old defender in the coming weeks.

Ronald Araujo is regaining his best form with Barça

Meanwhile, Ronald continues to focus on regaining his best form by the end of the season. After a February in which he barely played a couple of matches (both as a starter), the 'charrúa' returned to show a 'top' version in La Liga against Real Sociedad (goal and assist) and, mainly, in the tie against Benfica. The expulsion of Pau Cubarsí opened the door for him to the XI and the captain did not waste the opportunity.

Both in Lisbon and in Montjuïc, the '4' looked very good alongside Iñigo Martínez, with the physical strength necessary to face two high-intensity matches. Although Flick maintains his confidence in Cubarsí, Araujo has gained ground to reclaim his starting position this week and is precisely aiming to earn his spot for the final stretch of the season. For the player from Rivera, his role from now until May within the team will be crucial in deciding whether he stays in Barcelona or not.

The defender renewed in January until 2031, but reserved the option to leave for an affordable price (65 million euros) in the first weeks of the upcoming summer market if he receives an interesting offer. Undoubtedly, Liverpool would be a tempting destination, as the Uruguayan would arrive at Anfield with the mission of leading a defense that may undergo a total overhaul this summer. In addition to Van Dijk, Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson are also expected to leave in July.