Liverpool’s summer transfer window continues to be a spectacle, with the Premier League champions looking to close several deals before the end of the month after welcoming a series of high-class players to Arne Slot’s squad already.
The likes of Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike combined gorgeously against Crystal Palace at Wembley, and despite Liverpool losing the Community Shield, the attacking potential crackled between the two up-and-coming superstars.
Even so, FSG are determined to add another striker to Liverpool’s ranks, with a bid ongoing for Newcastle United talisman Alexander Isak, whose relationship with the St. James’ Park side appears well and truly broken.
However, Liverpool are also looking to sign a centre-back, and that might even be a more pressing area of concern for the Merseysiders. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi appears to be the first-choice target, but he’s not the only one on the radar.
The latest on Liverpool's transfer plans
Whether Liverpool manage to pull off the signing of Isak remains to be seen, but the Magpies are stricken by the striker’s stance and a deal, while more and more probable, won’t be easy to seal.
But Liverpool are focused on strengthening in defence, too, where the likes of Guehi and Parma’s Giovanni Leoni are the most noteworthy targets.
Yet, their shortlist doesn’t stop there.
According to Spanish reports, Liverpool have quietly entered the race for Ronald Araujo, who might be free to leave Barcelona this summer in the case of a compelling offer.
La Blaugrana’s ongoing financial worries could see an offer accepted for the Uruguayan centre-back, with the whispers in Spain suggesting Liverpool are preparing a bid in the region of €60m (about £51m).
Why Liverpool should sign Ronald Araujo
Though Guehi has been Liverpool’s top target to bolster Slot’s central defence this summer, Araujo is just now emerging as an option, and he might be the better pick.
Hailed as “one of the best defenders in the world” by Barcelona legend Carlos Puyol, Araujo has played a crucial role for the La Liga giants across his career so far, twice winning the top-flight title and bagging two Copa del Rey trophies too.
FSG may be putting their vested efforts into signing Isak, and will hopefully get that one over the line, but it wasn’t bluntness in attack that raised concerns during the season’s curtain-raiser at Wembley.
Instead, their defence is now undoubtedly the biggest issue for Slot and Co. Virgil van Dijk flattered to deceive in the capital, and though he’s one of the finest centre-backs of his generation, the error-strewn display raised the unwonted question as to the Dutchman’s smoothness and control in the rearguard.
That’s not to mention Joe Gomez’s injury, Jarell Quansah’s exit and Ibou Konate’s uncertain future. Putting it bluntly, the Reds need a defender more than they need a striker.
For this reason, signing a player of Araujo’s standing is a job of paramount importance for Hughes and co, especially when considering he might be an even better player than Crystal Palace’s Guehi.
Goals scored
0.09
0.12
Assists
0.06
0.12
Shot-creating actions
1.29
1.43
Touches
62.70
95.25
Pass completion
83.5%
91.9%
Progressive passes
3.94
5.85
Progressive carries
0.65
0.72
Successful take-ons
0.35
0.00
Tackles + interceptions
2.62
2.51
Clearances
4.80
2.98
Aerials won
2.00
3.94
It’s worth noting the vast difference in aerial ability between Guehi and Araujo, the latter of whom is considered to be a “monster” by analyst Raj Chohan and “one of the best in the world” by Barca boss Hansi Flick too. In this way, he could replace Liverpool’s ageing skipper both physically and from a leadership perspective.
That’s not to say that Guehi, who has captained Palace to two titles, isn’t a standout leader in his own right, but merely showcases a similar strength to Araujo’s game, alongside his remarkable technical skills and ferocious athleticism.
Van Dijk’s performance at Wembley left plenty to be desired, and with that in mind, it’s clear that a title-winning defender of Araujo’s ability could prove the perfect signing to close out the summer transfer window, maybe even proving to be even more important than getting Isak’s signature over the line.
While the Sweden striker, who scored 27 times last season, is regarded as one of the best forwards in world football, Liverpool feel they have hit the jackpot on Ekitike, who bagged on his debut.
Signing a central defender presents a more pressing concern, and if Liverpool are in with a shout of signing Araujo this month, he might just turn out to be the club’s most significant piece of business.