Liverpool Football Club are involved in arguably the biggest triple free transfer stories of one summer ever.
The futures of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk have been subject of major conjecture over the past 18 months.
That’s because all three have contracts that expire in the summer.
Real Madrid are being heavily linked with Trent Alexander-Arnold and there are numerous stories related to the other two.
Although there hasn’t been any specific club majorly linked to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, it seems that the club are already looking at options in case the Netherlands international does leave the club.
And one of those options is reportedly a Barcelona defender.
Recent sports suggest that Liverpool are reportedly preparing a summer move for Barcelona’s commanding centre-back as the ideal successor to Virgil van Dijk.
While the Dutch defender appears close to extending his Anfield stay, his advancing age (34 this summer) means the Reds must plan for the future.
According to sportwitness, the player is Ronald Araujo.
Araujo has emerged as one of Europe’s most complete defenders, earning high praise from Barcelona legend Carles Puyol, who recently called him “among the top three centre-backs in the world.”
Though injury issues have disrupted his campaign, Araujo’s potential makes him a perfect candidate to eventually replace Van Dijk.
Liverpool’s defensive reinforcements are particularly crucial given Ibrahima Konaté’s inconsistent fitness and uncertain long-term future.
It is believed that Ronald Araujo is available for around £50m could provide the Reds with a defensive cornerstone for the next decade.
Barcelona’s well-documented financial problems may force them to consider offers for their prized defender, presenting Liverpool with a rare opportunity to secure a world-class talent entering his prime years.
Should the move materialize, Ronald Araujo could become the defensive leader for Arne Slot’s new era at Anfield.
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