Ronald Araújo set for Liverpool medical as Barcelona agree loan transfer

Ronald Araújo is closing in on a move to Liverpool after Barcelona agreed a loan deal that will see the Uruguay international travel to England to complete a medical and finalise his switch to Anfield.

The Reds have already reached an agreement with both Barcelona and the defender, leaving only the final transfer formalities before the deal is completed.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Araújo has been left out of Hansi Flick's squad for Barcelona's friendly against Nottingham Forest in Italy.

Instead of travelling with his teammates, the 26-year-old is expected to fly to England to undergo his Liverpool medical before signing his contract.

The move represents another significant addition for Arne Slot as Liverpool continue strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The report states Liverpool will sign Araújo on an initial loan deal that includes a €55 million option to buy.

While no loan fee has been disclosed, Liverpool are expected to cover most, if not all, of the defender's salary during his spell at Anfield.

Barcelona are understood to believe only a club of Liverpool's financial stature could afford both Araújo's wages and the purchase option included in the agreement.

The Premier League is also viewed as a natural fit for the centre-back's physical and aggressive style of defending.

Araújo's expected departure has prompted Barcelona to accelerate plans for a replacement.

The Catalan club have stepped up their pursuit of Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, creating fresh competition for Atletico Madrid, who had also been working on a deal for the Argentina international.

However, questions remain over Araújo's fitness after an injury-disrupted campaign.

The defender endured five separate spells on the sidelines last season, including a calf injury suffered in June, while he also took an indefinite break from football following a difficult period of personal pressure and scrutiny.

If Araújo completes his medical without complications, Liverpool are expected to announce the defender's arrival in the coming days. Barcelona will then intensify their search for a replacement, with Cristian Romero remaining one of their leading defensive targets before the transfer window closes.