Liverpool confirm signing of 27yo Barcelona star

Liverpool have confirmed the arrival of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan deal.

The Reds are having a central defensive injury crisis, and they are presently without Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni.

Jeremy Jacquet has returned to individual training after a shoulder issue, but he may not be rushed back to action either.

The Reds have now confirmed the loan signing of Araujo, who has been one of La Liga's best-performing centre-backs.

The Uruguayan will be hoping to make a big impact, considering the Reds have an option to buy him for £47 million.

The 27-year-old told the club's official website: "I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history.

"I’m excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going."

Araujo found himself behind Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi in the pecking order at Barcelona during the last campaign.

At Liverpool, he should be a starter alongside Virgil van Dijk for the new season and will be eager to prove his worth.