Liverpool appear to have already made an early decision on the future of Ronald Araujo — and the Uruguayan defender’s impressive start to life at Anfield could be making a permanent transfer increasingly likely.
Araujo joined Liverpool from Barcelona on loan for the current campaign, arriving with a huge reputation and plenty of expectations on his shoulders.
However, rather than needing months to settle, the 27-year-old has wasted little time making his presence felt.
The defender has featured in all seven of Liverpool’s matches so far this season, starting five of them, and his performances have reportedly caught the attention of the club’s hierarchy.
Liverpool seriously considering permanent Araujo deal
According to reports from Spain, Liverpool are already seriously considering activating the purchase option included in Araujo’s loan agreement.
Fabrizio Romano previously reported that Liverpool have a €55 million (£47.3m) option to sign the defender permanently next summer.
And now, Mundo Deportivo claims that people close to Liverpool have indicated that the club could seriously consider taking up that option.
Araujo’s adaptation to English football is said to have been particularly encouraging.
The Uruguayan has also demonstrated his versatility by operating at right-back, despite spending the vast majority of his career as a centre-back.
That flexibility has given Liverpool another defensive option while also helping bring greater stability to a position that had been causing problems.
Araujo already making a huge difference
Although it is still very early in the season, Araujo has already made a strong impression.
His aggressive defending, physical presence and willingness to compete for every ball have quickly made him a popular figure among Liverpool supporters.
His ability to play at right-back has also allowed Liverpool to build a promising partnership between Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk in the centre of defence.
That could prove particularly important as the season progresses.
There is also another major factor Liverpool may have to consider.
Araujo is currently earning around £210,000 per week, according to Capology, while he will turn 28 next March. His age and salary will inevitably form part of the club’s calculations before making such a significant financial commitment.
But there is an even bigger question hanging over Liverpool’s defence.
Could Araujo replace Van Dijk as a leader?
Van Dijk’s contract situation means Liverpool could potentially face the difficult task of replacing their captain and defensive leader next summer.
If the Dutchman leaves Anfield at the end of his contract, Liverpool would lose not only an elite centre-back but also one of the biggest leadership figures in the dressing room.
That is where Araujo could become particularly valuable.
The Uruguay international has already captained Barcelona and has shown throughout his career that he is comfortable taking responsibility at the back.
Liverpool could therefore see him as more than simply another defender.
He could potentially become one of the leaders of the next generation at Anfield.
For now, Liverpool still have several months before they need to make a final decision.
But after only seven games, Araujo appears to be giving the club plenty of reasons to consider making his loan move permanent.
And if his impressive start continues, the €55m option could become one that Liverpool find increasingly difficult to ignore.
