Liverpool could potentially sign Ronald Araujo permanently at the end of this season, and Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on the defender’s future.

The Uruguayan has become a cult hero at Anfield since arriving on loan from Barcelona during the summer transfer window, impressing in a rare right-back role.

Araujo scored in Liverpool’s 4-2 win at home to Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, with Andoni Iraola speaking positively after the game:

“It definitely hasn’t been a boring game. I think they’ve been much better than us, especially the first 30-35 minutes until the 2-0. We did much better than them in the second half, especially the 30-35 minutes until the fourth goal, probably.

“We’ve probably started too relaxed in the game and even at the end, the 4-2. You think it’s done and they keep you there until the end, because they are a very good team. I value the three points a lot because we were facing a really good team today. I knew because I know them very well and I know how good they are and that’s the reason why I give importance and value to this win.”

Liverpool have the option to snap up Araujo on a permanent basis next summer, and speaking on his YouTube channel [via Caught Offside], Romano said it is a distinct possibility:

“I can tell you that Ronald Araujo is very happy. It’s like fresh air. At Liverpool, it was not easy for Araujo to leave Barcelona because Araujo loves Barca.

“Araujo was a captain; Araujo was a big friend of all his teammates. So, Araujo loves life at Barcelona, but now he’s very happy at Liverpool. The connection has been very good with the fans. So, the Araujo situation is definitely one to watch for 2027.

“Today Ronald Araujo speaking to the press said it’s too early, I don’t know what’s going to happen, I am very happy here, I feel very comfortable, but I don’t know what’s going to happen, it’s too early. And the reality is that Liverpool will decide in 2027 what to do with Ronald Araujo.”

Should Liverpool sign Ronald Araujo in 2027?

Liverpool must ensure they allow their heads to rule their hearts with Araujo, not just decide to sign him permanently because of a good start in a Reds shirt and his aforementioned cult hero status.

But the current evidence is only positive about the 27-year-old, who has added so much to the defence, bringing far more solidity than Jeremie Frimpong, and possessing great character.

Araujo is even adding goals to his repertoire, with his equaliser against Villarreal just before half-time proving to be a crucial moment in a thrilling game.

The Uruguay captain now has to continue this form for the rest of the season, though, showing that he is deserving of being a Liverpool player for years to come.

He would cost £47.1m, which isn’t a huge amount in the current game, but he has to justify the move, or the Reds would be wise to look elsewhere next summer.