Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has called on Liverpool to complete the permanent signing of on-loan Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. Araujo arrived in England on a season-long loan deal on August 10, 2026, and Liverpool hold an option to make the move permanent for a fixed €55m (£47 million) fee at the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Johnson backs permanent deal
Speaking in an interview with Betfred, former Reds full-back Johnson said: "You can tell when he's playing at right-back that he's not a natural right-back, but he's quick, strong and willing to do a job for his team."
Johnson added: "I'd be surprised if Liverpool don't want to sign him permanently because he's proving that as well as being a good centre-back, he can also deputise as a right-back. He has the right-back position for a reason at the moment and he's doing a fantastic job. Long-term, I don't think he's a right-back, but I've been very impressed with what I've seen so far."
Araujo's role so far
Araujo has featured in all eight of Liverpool's opening Premier League fixtures this term, starting six of those matches. He has also filled in on the right flank during the early weeks of the campaign.
Bradley injury and right-back depth
Conor Bradley suffered a severe injury setback. Assessing whether Liverpool need to recruit another player in that role, Johnson said: "I'd see how Conor Bradley is when he returns from injury because I had no doubt that he was going to be the club's first choice right-back until he got that horrible injury, so my first question would be how fit is he? How soon is he going to be back to full fitness? Because if it's soon, then Liverpool don't need to sign anyone because having him with Ronald Araujo backing him up would be spot on."
Arsenal game at Anfield
Liverpool edged past Chelsea on penalties in the Carabao Cup and host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. Ronald Araujo is expected to partner captain Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence for the matchday 9 Premier League meeting.
