Report: Liverpool eyeing shock summer transfer as Barcelona star emerges as option to replace…

Report: Liverpool considering surprising summer transfer as Barcelona defender becomes a potential replacement for Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool is reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring Barcelona center-back Ronald Araujo this summer, as the club evaluates its options ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Virgil van Dijk’s contract at Anfield is set to expire at the end of June, and currently, the Netherlands international is poised to depart the Merseyside club on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old has once again delivered impressive performances for Liverpool this season, but uncertainty surrounds his future, prompting the Reds to look into available center-back alternatives.

As per Nacional Cat, Liverpool has expressed interest in Araujo, with a potential deal for the Uruguayan international being considered, despite his recent contract renewal with Barcelona.

The 26-year-old was rumored to be leaving Barcelona during the January transfer window but ultimately signed a new contract that extends until June 2031.

Liverpool is reportedly contemplating a summer bid for Araujo. This season, he has made only 14 appearances for Barcelona, having missed the early part of the campaign due to a hamstring injury sustained while on international duty last summer.

Currently, Araujo is not a guaranteed starter for Hansi Flick’s team, as both Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez have been performing exceptionally well during the 2024-25 season.

There were concerns regarding Martinez’s future, with his contract set to expire this summer; however, he has since signed an extension that lasts until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Liverpool is believed to be looking to capitalize on this situation to pursue Araujo this summer, as Arne Slot’s team braces for the potential loss of Van Dijk on a free transfer.

Could Araujo be a valuable addition for Liverpool?

Reports suggest that Barcelona might entertain offers around €60 million (£51 million) for Araujo, which would represent a great deal given his talent. The Reds should seize the opportunity to acquire him if a transfer becomes feasible.

Although Barcelona may be hesitant to part with a player of Araujo’s caliber—especially after recently extending his contract—the emergence of Cubarsi and Martinez could prompt challenging decisions for the club.

It is anticipated that Barcelona will pursue a significant sale during the summer transfer window, and Araujo possesses the attributes necessary to thrive in the Premier League, including his strength, speed, and remarkable recovery abilities.

If Barcelona signals a willingness to sell, Liverpool is unlikely to be the sole contender for Araujo, as Bayern Munich may also express interest, along with Manchester United, who have been linked to him.

Araujo joined Camp Nou from Boston River in August 2018 and has since made 164 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists.