Ronald Araújo at Liverpool: loan, No.33 and possible Como debut

Ronald Araújo is officially a Liverpool player

Ronald Araújo has temporarily left Barcelona to join Liverpool.

Both clubs officially announced the agreement on August 10, 2026.

The Uruguay defender has joined the Reds on loan for the 2026-27 season. Barcelona state that the agreement runs until June 30, 2027.

Liverpool say the move remains subject to the usual work permit process and international clearance.

What number will Araújo wear at Liverpool?

Ronald Araújo will wear No.33.

Liverpool confirmed his squad number when announcing his arrival.

The 27-year-old is primarily a centre-back but can also operate at right-back.

That gives new head coach Andoni Iraola another option in two defensive positions.

Is Araújo already training with Liverpool?

Yes.

Liverpool published footage and pictures on Wednesday showing Araújo training with his new teammates.

Alexis Mac Allister, Jérémy Jacquet and Curtis Jones were also involved in the session.

The squad are now preparing for their final preseason games against Como 1907.

When could Ronald Araújo make his Liverpool debut?

Liverpool will face Como 1907 twice on Sunday, August 16.

The first game will take place behind closed doors at 11:30am BST.

A second fixture against the Italian club will kick off at Anfield at 6pm BST, which is 7pm in France.

Araújo is training with Liverpool, but the club have not officially announced that he will play in either fixture.

His involvement will depend on Andoni Iraola’s selection and the completion of the necessary administrative procedures.

SportInBref therefore does not present a Como debut as confirmed.

Why have Liverpool signed Araújo?

Liverpool are dealing with several defensive issues.

Reuters reports that Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury during preseason, while Giovanni Leoni continues his recovery from an ACL injury.

Jérémy Jacquet has also been dealing with an injury.

The departure of Ibrahima Konaté has further reduced Liverpool’s senior options in central defence.

Araújo therefore provides experienced cover at both centre-back and right-back.

What is Araújo’s Barcelona record?

Ronald Araújo joined Barcelona in 2018, initially playing for the reserve team.

He established himself permanently in the first-team squad from the 2020-21 season.

Barcelona and Liverpool list him at 213 first-team appearances and 14 goals.

He won three LaLiga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies and three Spanish Super Cups with the club.

Araújo also became one of Barcelona’s captains.

Do Liverpool have an option to buy Araújo?

Neither club mentions a purchase option in its official announcement.

ESPN reports that Liverpool have an option to make the transfer permanent in summer 2027 for around €55 million.

Reuters says British media have reported an option worth approximately £47 million.

Those figures represent broadly the same valuation.

However, the distinction is important: the clause has been reported by media outlets but has not been publicly detailed in the official announcements checked from Liverpool or Barcelona.

Is Araújo still under contract with Barcelona?

Yes.

This is a loan rather than a permanent transfer.

Reuters reports that Araújo remains under contract with Barcelona until 2031.

Unless a reported purchase option or another agreement is activated, his current Liverpool loan runs until June 30, 2027.

Ronald Araújo at Liverpool: what is confirmed

Player: Ronald Araújo.

Age: 27.

Nationality: Uruguayan.

Parent club: Barcelona.

Current club: Liverpool.

Deal: loan for the 2026-27 season.

Loan expiry: June 30, 2027.

Liverpool squad number: 33.

Positions: centre-back and right-back cover.

Barcelona record: 213 appearances and 14 goals.

Liverpool head coach: Andoni Iraola.

Next fixtures: two preseason matches against Como 1907 on Sunday, August 16.

Araújo’s participation against Como: not officially confirmed.

Purchase option: reported by multiple media outlets but not detailed in the official club announcements checked.