Manager confirms player moving to Liverpool as they jet in to complete medical

Liverpool are edging closer to announcing the signing of Ronald Araujo after Barcelona boss Hansi Flick confirmed the transfer.

talkSPORT told you on Friday how the Reds have agreed a loan deal to bring the 27-year-old defender to Anfield from the Nou Camp.

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Andoni Iraola‘s side will have an option to turn the Uruguay international’s temporary stay into a permanent switch.

The Merseyside outfit have been desperate to bring in a new centre-back after Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, Joe Gomez along with promising talents Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni continue to recover from injury with just two weeks to go until the new Premier League seasons kicks off.

And Araujo, who was named as the Blaugrana‘s captain in January, will bring much-needed experience to the Reds backline.

He has featured in 213 games for Barca since joining in 2018 – winning three LaLiga titles and two Copa del Reys.

Though he has was limited to just 24 top-flight outings last term – 11 of which were starts – with the player granted a leave of absence to take a break for his mental health.

Ron the way

But he will be looking to write a new chapter in his story having travelled over to England on Sunday to undergo his medical.

And Barca manager Flick has hailed the qualities of Araujo, who can also play as a right-back, as he all-but announced the Reds’ fourth summer signing.

The German said: “I think Ronald is a great guy and a fantastic player.

“I think our style of play, that we want to play, is a little bit different.

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“He’s a player that has a lot of speed, he’s physical and very strong and also with the ball he’s quite good.

“We couldn’t include him like I wanted and also I think he wants to make something new.

“You know it more than me because in the past, something has happened, so this affected him.

“I saw him this morning and I said goodbye and I think he was very happy and Liverpool is also a fantastic club.

“I wish him all the best because he deserves it.

“He’s a fantastic guy and fantastic player and was a great captain.”

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One in, one out at Anfield?

While Liverpool look poised to unveil Araujo, it remains to be seen whether midfielder Curtis Jones will stay at the club beyond the summer.

Jones has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, with the Serie A champions having two offers rejected by the Reds.

And the 25-year-old’s future was further put in question when he was left out of the matchday squad to face Monaco on Sunday.

Reports state that Liverpool’s decision is a ‘precaution’ with the academy graduate to potentially depart.

talkSPORT told you earlier this month how the England international could still be handed fresh terms.

That is despite the midfielder’s spat with teammate Dominik Szoboszlai following the pre-season win over Wrexham.