Araujo arrives on loan, Suarez tells him to enjoy it
Ronald Araujo is a Liverpool player. The centre-back has joined on a season-long loan from Barcelona, and Luis Suarez wasted no time. The former Red sent Araujo a private message: enjoy Anfield (4) (5).
"We loved watching the English Premier League and everyone in Uruguay gets up early in the morning to catch the games," Araujo told the club's website (5).
He takes the number 4 shirt (10). The deal was confirmed Monday, with a reported £47m agreement in place (9) (10). Hansi Flick admitted Araujo's confidence took a hit at Barcelona: "The mistakes of the past affected him mentally" (11).
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He replaces Ibrahima Konate, who left for Real Madrid (9). Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Jeremy Jacquet, and Sebastian Coates are all also in the defensive picture, but depth is thin (5). The Monaco friendly on Sunday exposed exactly that, Liverpool lost 3–2 (5).
Barcola agrees five-year deal, PSG stall
Bradley Barcola has agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with Liverpool (6). The hold-up is on PSG's end. They want to secure Mika Godts before letting Barcola leave, and that chain is not yet resolved (6).
Liverpool are also keeping tabs on Ibrahim Mbaye at PSG (1). Richard Hughes is leading the negotiations, with Maghnes Akliouche and Djed Spence also mentioned in discussions around the deal structure (6).
Van de Ven slips away
Micky van de Ven is staying at Tottenham. The Dutch defender signed a new contract through to summer 2031 on Monday evening, ending any chance of a Liverpool or Barcelona move (12). The wages are reportedly significant, "waanzinnig salaris" was how one Dutch outlet put it (13).
Pre-season: Como next, then Newcastle
One more friendly before it gets real. Liverpool face Como this Sunday, and Araujo is expected to feature (5). The Premier League season opens away at Newcastle on Sunday August 23 at 17:30 CEST.
Fan reactions
Fans are fully on board with the Araujo signing. The lean photo did not disappoint, "slick lean from the new man" was the top comment, and that is about as high as pre-season praise gets. There is also a lively debate breaking down the Amazon/Bezos minority stake as a strategic play rather than a prelude to a sale, with supporters reading it as FSG getting a tech giant inside the tent for the next era of football revenue.
