Hansi Flick Could Derail Liverpool’s £47.3m Move for Ronald Araujo
Liverpool’s hopes of making Ronald Araujo’s loan move permanent could reportedly depend heavily on Barcelona manager Hansi Flick.
According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, Flick’s opinion on whether Araujo still has a future at Barcelona could ultimately determine what happens when the defender’s loan spell at Anfield comes to an end.
The 27-year-old has quickly become an important part of Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool defence, featuring in every match so far this season and playing 465 of a possible 630 minutes.
Flick Could Have the Final Say
Liverpool are reportedly considering activating the €55 million (£47.3m) purchase option included in Araujo’s loan agreement.
However, Barcelona may still have significant control over the situation. Bailey claims Araujo does not currently consider his time at Barcelona to be over and would only look to leave permanently if it becomes clear that Flick does not have a role for him.
Araujo’s performances for Liverpool could make the situation even more complicated. If he maintains his current form throughout the 2026/27 season, Barcelona could potentially see value in bringing their former captain back.
Barcelona Already Have Several Centre-Back Options
Barcelona currently have several defenders capable of playing at centre-back, including Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen. Jules Kounde can also operate in the position.
Despite that depth, reports suggest Barcelona are still considering adding another experienced centre-back, potentially alongside Cubarsi.
The club’s sporting director Deco is reportedly weighing up whether to sign another young defender for development or bring in an experienced player who can make an immediate impact.
If Barcelona choose the latter route, Araujo could find himself back in Flick’s plans.
However, the Uruguay international’s recent relationship with the Catalan club has been complicated. He faced heavy online criticism following Barcelona’s Champions League defeat to Chelsea last November, eventually requesting an indefinite leave of absence in December.
After returning to the squad, Araujo also found himself lower in the pecking order, with young defender Pau Cubarsi making a strong impression under Flick.
That history could play a role in determining whether Barcelona want him back.
For Liverpool, the hope will be that Araujo continues to impress at Anfield and that Barcelona ultimately decide he no longer fits into their long-term plans.
If that happens, the Reds could have a clearer path toward completing the £47.3m permanent transfer.
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