Ronald Araujo has described his move to Liverpool as the “ideal” next step in his career after agreeing to take a pay cut to leave Barcelona on a season-long loan.
The 27-year-old Uruguay international completed his move on Monday, with Liverpool holding an option to sign him permanently for a pre-agreed fee reportedly worth £47 million.
Araujo said Liverpool’s interest quickly convinced him that a move to England was the right decision.
“It was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. It was a move that was necessary for me to take,” Araujo told Liverpool’s official website.
“As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly. I’m super happy to be here and excited to get started.”
The defender’s arrival comes as Liverpool look to add experience and depth to a defence that has faced several problems. Ibrahima Konate left after his contract expired, while injuries have affected the club’s options at right-back.
Araujo can operate in central defence, his preferred position, but is also capable of covering at right-back. That versatility is expected to give Liverpool greater protection during the early stages of the new Premier League season.
The Uruguay international also arrives with strong experience behind him. He was named Barcelona captain in January and has already taken part in the club’s pre-season preparations, meaning he should be ready to join Liverpool training this week.
Liverpool’s defensive depth has been further tested by injuries. Jeremy Jacquet is expected to return to training after recovering from a knee problem, while Giovanni Leoni is approaching the final stages of his rehabilitation from an ACL injury.
Joe Gomez is also not expected to be fit for the start of the Premier League campaign. Young defenders Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Ndiaye have impressed during pre-season, but Liverpool wanted another senior option.
Last season, the lack of depth meant Virgil van Dijk and Konate were relied upon for much of the campaign.
