Barcelona approach Liverpool about wrapping up their £47m loan defender’s move early, and the Reds could try to lower the price

Ronald Araujo has been so good on loan at Liverpool that his parent club now want to talk about getting the permanent deal done early.

According to TEAMtalk, Barcelona are keen to sell the Uruguay international as soon as possible, and want to open discussions with Liverpool about changing the terms of the loan he signed in the summer.

The agreement already includes an option to buy at £47m. The 27-year-old has made 11 starts and two substitute appearances in all competitions under Andoni Iraola, and he has exceeded expectations on Merseyside.

Why do Barcelona want a Ronald Araujo deal now?

Depth at centre-back looks to be behind it. Hansi Flick has looked short of bodies at the back in recent matches, with Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde among those currently injured.

Flick also opened the door to a January signing at his press conference on Friday: “We’ve discussed it with Deco (sporting director), Bojan (football coordinator), and my staff. That’s how we do things. If we can, maybe we will.”

The reported aim is to amend the existing deal rather than wait until the summer. How urgently Barcelona push may depend on whether they identify a suitable player to strengthen the squad in the winter window.

Can Liverpool lower Ronald Araujo’s £47m price?

They could try. Liverpool may attempt to bring the agreed figure down in any talks, although Barcelona are not expected to accept a significant reduction.

That is where the leverage gets interesting. Liverpool already have the player, already have the option and face no deadline until the summer. Barcelona are the ones asking, which is usually the side that gives ground. Even so, it would be a surprise if the discount was anything other than modest.

It is also worth remembering this is not the only centre-back story around Anfield, with Liverpool eyeing a Barcelona target in Finn Jeltsch earlier this week.

What Ronald Araujo gives Iraola’s Liverpool

Versatility and experience, at a moment when Virgil van Dijk has reached veteran status and Joe Gomez’s future remains unclear. His availability at Barcelona was indifferent in some seasons, but he has stayed on the pitch and in form so far at Anfield, including in the shootout win over Chelsea this week.

The immediate focus for Iraola is Sunday’s visit of Arsenal, but the summer plan at the back looks more settled by the week.

Should Liverpool sign Ronald Araujo in January?

Providing he stays fit and in form, a permanent move looks inevitable, so the only real question is timing. If Barcelona will knock anything off the fee, doing it in January makes sense for all three parties: Barcelona get funds when they need them, Liverpool save money and Araujo gets certainty. If they will not budge, Liverpool lose nothing by waiting and letting the clause sit there until the summer.