The departure of Ronald Araújo surprised more than one. Not because FC Barcelona was looking to get rid of it but rather it was the destination that may have surprised. The Uruguayan was loaned with an option to buy at (€55 million) to Liverpool. The English club needed a defender, if possible versatile, capable of helping out according to needs, and if possible with experience. The 27-year-old concentrated all of these criteria. On the other hand, it still took a lot of risk on the part of the Reds to enlist him, he who has been in clear decline for two years now.
Yet he is making everyone lie. Andoni Iraola immediately placed his trust in him, first by bringing him in during the first two days of the Premier League to replace Jérémy Jacquet twenty minutes from time, then by establishing him as right-back in his 4-man defense during the 3rd day at Ipswich in place of Jeremie Frimpong. This bet was a success to the point that the Liverpool coach wanted to repeat the experience at a higher level of competition, in the Champions League this time, and against Atlético de Madrid (2-1). Araújo was not missed.
Best man on the pitch against Atlético
He was elected man of the match by his club (UEFA preferred Dominik Szoboszlai). THE Liverpool Echo also gave it the best score of the evening, a nice 8/10. In addition to his serenity and his defensive authority, the daily retains his complementarity with Barcola, and especially this sublime decisive pass for Szoboszlai during the equalization of the Reds, between Hancko and Romero in the area. “ He tried to establish a good understanding with Bradley Barcola on the right side, with some good ball controls, and his superb backheel allowed the equalizer. He defended with combativeness against Atlético’s pressure to equalize. »
“ He was very good the other day already (against Ipswich, September 4), and even better today (Wednesday)Iraola said at a press conference. He defends his side really well. We sometimes underestimate his offensive contribution. Today he made a superb assist. I am very happy with him. He arrived with the desire to prove that he has the level. I hope we can keep him because he is in good shape. » Very laudatory and even optimistic words for the future of events, even if the Spanish technician is perhaps rushing a little. The season is still long but already Araújo is showing that he made the right choice. He would see himself continuing the adventure beyond his loan according to the Daily Mail.
Liverpool are already planning to keep her, Deco procrastinates
He had to leave Barça and start up again elsewhere. Formerly captain of the defense, then captain of the team, the Uruguayan embodied the future of the club. The long negotiations for his extension, rumors towards Bayern Munich then a level of play which dropped radically from 2024 ended up causing him to lose his status. He accumulated errors on the pitch until he asked his managers to no longer play him at the end of last year. In full burnout, Ronald Araújo went on retreat for a few weeks before returning, waiting for a new base. Everyone was well aware that they had to separate.
“ My departure from Barça was a very good one. We spoke about it with the club, and with the coachrecognized the person concerned Wednesday evening after the meeting. I have a lot of affection for Barça, and I will always be grateful to them for everything. The player I am today is largely credited to them. I’m very happy, and I think we have a great relationship, and I appreciate them very much. » The native of Rivera, whose gaps in English are starting to fade, is regaining color in another context, while remaining at the highest level. “ Change is always useful, and I think I came to a great club, an important club no less great than Barcelona, and there are also a lot of demands. »
However, Barcelona has not forgotten it. “ I watched the Liverpool match yesterday (Wednesday) and I really liked itapplauded Deco the day after the match. Personally, I really like it. There were times when he wasn’t at his best, but his career at Barca was spectacular. Sometimes we just didn’t see things the same way.» The sports director even opens the door to his potential return with this British experience. “ He is under contract with us (2031, editor’s note), so it is still too early to say more about his future. » See you at the end of the season and confirm this comeback.
