Liverpool have finalized the season-long loan signing of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, with the Uruguayan centre-back set to wear the No. 33 shirt at Anfield. The deal includes an option for Liverpool to make the move permanent next summer for a fee in the region of £47.14 million (€55m), according to reports from Sky Sports, contingent on Araujo impressing during his time on Merseyside.
The 27-year-old arrives as a versatile defensive option for Andoni Iraola's side, capable of playing both as a central defender and at right-back. Araujo was a regular fixture for Barcelona last season, making 38 appearances across all competitions, and was handed the captaincy at the Catalan club following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's departure in January.
Despite not featuring in any pre-season matches, Araujo has continued training with Barcelona and is not expected to require an extended period to reach full match fitness. He could potentially make his first appearance for Liverpool as soon as this weekend, when Como visit Anfield in what will be the Reds' final pre-season friendly before the start of the Premier League campaign against Newcastle United.
The No. 33 shirt has sat unused at Liverpool for more than ten years, last worn by Jordon Ibe. Araujo previously wore the No. 4 shirt during his time at Barcelona, but explained that his new number carries deep personal significance.
"It's a number that I like, it's a number that is special to me. Funnily enough, way back when I made my debut as a professional, that was the number that I was wearing back then," Araujo said. "But it has a personal meaning for me as well, it has a meaning which is all to do with my faith and my relationship with Jesus and God and religion."
The defender revealed that the decision followed discussions with those closest to him. "It's a subject I spoke about and had a good conversation with my friends, my family, my partner and my parents. It's a number I'm very pleased on a number of levels to be wearing," he added.
Araujo joins a list of players who have previously worn the No. 33 for Liverpool in the Premier League era, including Jonjo Shelvey, Sebastian Leto and Neil Mellor. However, comparisons have already been drawn between the new arrival and fellow Uruguayan Luis Suarez, one of the club's most celebrated forwards, who wore the same number during part of his Anfield career.
Araujo acknowledged growing up watching Suarez's exploits for Liverpool and spoke of the close relationship the two share. "Of course as a kid I used to watch Luis playing all those fantastic games for Liverpool. We all know what he achieved, the history that he made within this club during his time here," Araujo said.
"So it's fantastic. From minute one, I've been sort of asked about that kind of comparison since I've arrived here. I get on really well with him, we're quite close," he continued, revealing that Suarez had reached out personally following the transfer. "Just a few minutes ago I got a good luck message from him saying all the best, you've joined a great club and all the very best for your time here."
Araujo's arrival is expected to bolster Liverpool's central defensive options ahead of a demanding campaign, providing Iraola with additional experience and depth at the back as the club prepares for both domestic and European commitments.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (football).