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Fabrizio Romano has flagged a financial obstacle that could complicate Liverpool‘s plan to turn Ronald Araujo’s loan into a permanent transfer. The Uruguayan defender arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan from Barcelona in the summer of 2026, with the Reds holding an option to make the move permanent for £47.1million next summer.
Araujo has settled quickly into life on Merseyside. The 27-year-old has scored one goal and set up another in 10 appearances across all competitions this season. He will be back in action on Tuesday evening when Liverpool host Villarreal at Anfield in the Champions League.
Speaking to the press this week, Araujo admitted he feels comfortable at his new club but stopped short of discussing his long-term future, saying it remains too early to predict what happens next. Romano has since confirmed that sentiment aligns with Liverpool’s own stance on the situation.
Ronald Araujo’s Barcelona Salary a Sticking Point for Liverpool
Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, described Araujo’s mood at Liverpool as a breath of fresh air after a difficult departure from Barcelona, where the defender served as captain and held close bonds with his former teammates.
“I can tell you that Ronald Araujo is very happy. It’s like fresh air. At Liverpool, it was not easy for Araujo to leave Barcelona because Araujo loves Barca. Araujo was a captain; Araujo was a big friend of all his teammates. So, Araujo loves life at Barcelona, but now he’s very happy at Liverpool. The connection has been very good with the fans. So, the Araujo situation is definitely one to watch for 2027.”
Romano also relayed Araujo’s own comments from this week’s press conference, where the defender declined to commit to a long-term prediction.
“Today Ronald Araujo speaking to the press said it’s too early, I don’t know what’s going to happen, I am very happy here, I feel very comfortable, but I don’t know what’s going to happen, it’s too early.”
Romano made clear that Liverpool are in no rush to resolve the defender’s future, with the club content to let the situation play out until the option window opens in 2027.
“And the reality is that Liverpool will decide in 2027 what to do with Ronald Araujo. So, not now, and I am told not even in December, January. Liverpool will take their time. They have all the time. They are not forced by anyone to decide before or ahead of schedule, so the buy-option is there for summer 2027. Liverpool will take their time, but Liverpool feedback on Ronald Araujo are very positive.”
The financial element of the deal is where things get complicated. Romano pointed to Araujo’s wage structure at Barcelona as a factor that could weigh on Liverpool’s final decision, separate from the £47.1million buy-option itself.
“Then again, let’s see the decision. Also again, don’t forget the salary. Araujo is not just about the €55million buy-option clause, it’s also about the salary. The salary of Araujo at Barcelona was a huge salary. I don’t like to come here and speak about salaries in detail, but it’s a very big salary. So, let’s see what’s going to happen next, but, for sure, the connection is quite good.”
Liverpool’s internal assessment of Araujo remains favorable on performance alone. The defender has slotted into the backline without disruption and has built a rapport with supporters in a short span. The wage figure attached to his Barcelona contract introduces a variable that goes beyond the transfer fee itself, and it is one the club will need to factor into any permanent agreement.
For now, the defender continues to focus on matches rather than speculation, with Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Villarreal offering another chance to strengthen his case at Anfield. Liverpool have signaled they intend to let the full picture develop before committing to anything beyond the current loan terms.
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