Barca defender Araújo unfazed by Liverpool pay cut

LIVERPOOL, England (AP):

Uruguay defender Ronald Araújo believes he has made an “ideal move” to Liverpool after his season-long loan from Barcelona was confirmed yesterday.

The 27-year-old has taken a pay cut to facilitate the switch. Liverpool also have the option to buy him for a pre-agreed fee, reportedly £47 million (US$63 million), should the move prove successful.

“It was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. It was a move that was necessary for me to take,” Araújo told the club website.

“As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly. I’m super happy to be here and excited to get started.”

Strengthening the defence had become a priority following the departure of Ibrahima Konate at the end of his contract and ongoing injury concerns at right back.

Liverpool believe Araújo’s experience will be valuable. Named Barcelona captain in January, he arrives match-ready after taking part in the Catalans’ pre-season preparations. It is understood he will join full squad training this week.

Araújo’s arrival gives coach Andoni Iraola greater depth at the back. In addition to his preferred role in central defence, he is also capable of playing at right back.

The added cover is timely, with new signing Jeremy Jacquet expected to return to training after a knee injury and Giovanni Leoni entering the final stages of his rehabilitation from an ACL injury.

Teenagers Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Ndiaye, both 18, have impressed during pre-season. However, with Joe Gomez not expected to be fit for the start of the new Premier League campaign, Iraola needed another experienced defender to bolster his options.

For much of last season, Liverpool relied heavily on Virgil van Dijk and Konate, who featured in virtually every match.