Why Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo makes Bradley Barcola’s arrival much more likely

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Liverpool fans could be forgiven for feeling underwhelmed by the news that their summer defensive addition will be out-of-favour Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo.The Reds have, of course, already made one key centre-back signing, with Jeremy Jacquet arriving for big money, but there had been hope that another new boy would arrive to signal an overhaul in the back line. How do you feel about Liverpool signing Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo on loan?

Nobody saw this coming! 🫨 Photo Credit: Getty Images/Pedro Salado Liverpool are saving money for mega Barcola dealIt is no secret that Liverpool are pursuing a move for Barcola, and are in conversation with PSG to find a positive solution.However, the big hurdle here is money. The Parisians are reportedly looking for north of £140m to sell Barcola, while Liverpool do not want to spend more than £90-100m.With all parties seemingly open to the deal happening, it feels likely that an agreement somewhere in the middle will be reached.Although Liverpool’s finances are always said to be in the rudest of health, this will mean they have spent more than £100m on a player three times in the past year.

That is going to stretch even the wealthiest clubs’ resources.READ MORE: Vinicius Jr’s verdict on Ronald Araujo should make Liverpool fans optimistic about surprise loan dealThat is where Araujo comes in, with Liverpool clearly deciding that sorting their attack is the priority this season, while trying to find clever solutions in defence.It has been reported that the Reds will cover Araujo’s Barcelona salary, which is said to amount to a healthy 11 million Euros per year.Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty ImagesAs a result, this move is not cost-free for FSG, but had they signed a new defender for €11m, it would rightly be seen as an incredibly cheap deal. This is just another way of doing that.Refusing to sanction a bigger transfer even though it will clearly be necessary at some stage may be seen as a gamble by Liverpool, but it shows that they are committing their funds to getting Barcola over the line this year, and perhaps addressing the defence more completely in 2027.Fans would obviously prefer if the Reds sorted everything out in one go ahead of another big season at Anfield, but if the right targets are not available for permanent moves this summer, then Araujo should be a good stop-gap.If Barcola does not happen, there will be major disappointment and real concern about where this leaves Liverpool.