Ronald Araujo is loving life at Liverpool and can already picture himself staying at Anfield beyond his season-long loan from Barcelona, according to sources close to the defender.
The Uruguay international has started only two matches since joining the club but has become something of a cult hero, capped by a man-of-the-match display against Atletico Madrid that included a backheel assist for Dominik Szoboszlai.
Sources told Liverpool Confidential that Araujo has been taking walks around the city and has noticed that everyone on Merseyside lives and breathes football in a way that even Barcelona does not match. He is said to feel a genuine smell of success around the club, something sources say he values above all else.
It remains far too early to say whether the move will become permanent, but there is understood to be a pre-existing agreement in place over a fee worth £47million. There is no obligation to buy, and Liverpool will have the final say at the end of the season.
Araujo's English is still limited, but he has taken daily lessons at the club and added an extra hour of study at home each afternoon, and can already hold basic conversations. Speaking to Spanish television after the Atletico win, he said Liverpool was a big club like Barcelona and that he was happy and hungry for more. He said he was really happy to be at Liverpool, was looking forward to continuing to give his all, and loved playing at Anfield, calling it a very special and lovely place.
Versatility and leadership behind the move
Araujo was identified for his versatility and leadership. The Barcelona captain prefers centre back but has shown in recent matches he is equally comfortable at right back. He has naturally gravitated towards fellow Spanish speakers in the squad, while Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk have also helped him settle.
Manager Andoni Iraola gave a glowing review after the Atletico game, saying Araujo had defended well but was often underrated for his offensive side, pointing to the assist for Szoboszlai. Iraola said Araujo had come with the willingness to show he belonged at that level and that he hoped the club could keep him.
The three-time La Liga winner reportedly wanted the move badly, and when Liverpool made contact with his camp the answer was immediately positive, a decision cemented by talks with Iraola. He took a pay cut to make the switch happen, with Liverpool covering his salary in full. Whether the club pays close to £50million for a player who will then be 28 remains a question for another day.
Luca Eden becomes youngest-ever Youth League player
Liverpool's Under-19s squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Atletico Madrid in their UEFA Youth League opener on Wednesday. Mor Talla Ndiaye and Josh Sonni-Lambie scored in the first half before Joel Sanchez and Adrian Lis-Zielinski levelled for the visitors at Kirkby.
The most notable moment came from Luca Eden, who became Liverpool's youngest-ever player in the competition at 15 years and 182 days old, taking the record from Joshua Abe, the 16-year-old who has since had shoulder surgery to correct a long-standing problem. Eden, who joined the academy at age four, has been compared by seasoned academy observers to a young Steven Gerrard.
Alisson fined over fourth official's board
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker has been fined £8,000 for misconduct following Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest a fortnight ago, after being deemed to have acted improperly near the tunnel at full time.
The fine relates to Alisson kicking over and damaging the fourth official's electronic board in frustration as he left the pitch. His anger followed a three-minute wait to make substitutions before a penalty he conceded, with Iraola later saying a professional fourth official could not take three minutes. Alisson accepted the fine.
Xavi weighs Van Dijk's Netherlands future
Anfield hosted several familiar faces on Wednesday night, including former manager Rafa Benitez and Andy Gray, making his first UK broadcast appearance since 2014 on talkSPORT. Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi, now head coach of the Netherlands, was also present, though he arrived to find Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong among the substitutes and Cody Gakpo out injured.
Van Dijk did play, and Xavi must now decide whether to include the Netherlands captain in his first squad, with Van Dijk set to turn 37 during the next European Championship in 2028. The pair have held discussions on the matter, and Xavi is due to announce his first squad selection next Friday. There is no serious suggestion Van Dijk will be dropped from the Netherlands' plans.
Lewis Koumas rewarded for staying
Iraola has shown a willingness to trust youth that was not always associated with predecessor Arne Slot, keeping Lewis Koumas, James McConnell and Luke Chambers at the club rather than sending them out on loan.
No one has benefited more than Koumas, who has already made his Premier League and Champions League debuts this season. The 20-year-old has impressed coming off the bench late in games, injecting energy and pace while carrying out Iraola's pressing instructions.
Koumas spent much of last season on Hull City's bench despite scoring some notable goals during his loan spell. Now trusted by Iraola in major games in the league and Europe, he is being held up as an example for others currently out on loan.
