FootballTransfers reported that Liverpool are ready to start their long-term plan to replace Virgil van Dijk, with the move set to cost €115 million. Van Dijk is out of contract at the end of the season, and FootballTransfers said the likelihood is that he will be leaving Merseyside after more than nine seasons at the club.
Araujo purchase option
FootballTransfers reported that Marca reports Liverpool are ready to complete the signing of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona for €55 million. Araujo is currently on loan from Barca at Liverpool, and when Liverpool snapped him up in the summer, they secured a purchase option.
According to Marca, Liverpool are 'prepared' to take up the purchase option for Araujo should he maintain his current form.
Iraola and Araujo comments
Iraola said when questioned on Araujo: "Ronald needed this change and has come with humility; he's an experienced player from a big club, prepared to play in different positions."
Araujo said: "I think I'm finding what I needed here, which was to play, feel important, and show my football. It's too early to talk about these things. I'm getting playing time, which is what I want, and then we'll see what happens in the future."
Quansah and Gomez situation
FootballTransfers said Liverpool have a buy-back option for Jarell Quansah, who they sold to Bayer Leverkusen little over a year ago. Quansah could potentially be brought back to Liverpool for €60m.
FootballTransfers said there is uncertainty over the future of Joe Gomez, who, like Van Dijk, will see his contract expire at the end of June.