The brass at La Liga giants Barcelona already view the sale of defender Ronald Araújo to Liverpool on a permanent basis as all but a formality.
Stopper Araújo was of course granted something of a surprise Barcelona departure over the summer. Ahead of a season in which the Uruguayan was expected to set about reestablishing himself as a starter under the watch of Hansi Flick, Araújo was instead allowed to link up with Premier League heavyweights Liverpool.
The transfer came in the form of a season-long loan, through next summer. The deal also features an option to buy, set around the €55 million mark.
And if the latest word stemming from Spain and England alike is anything to go by, then this clause being activated is now considered more than likely by Deco and the Camp Nou brass.
Araújo has enjoyed a productive start to life at Anfield, having established himself as the first-choice right-back in Andoni Iraola’s XI, already with three direct goal contributions to his name.
And as per a report from Fichajes, citing Marca:
‘Reports have been circulating for several days now indicating that the decision regarding the player’s purchase option, set at €55 million, will be finalised later. However, FC Barcelona is beginning to consider it a done deal.’
Conor Laird – GSFN