Liverpool could soon face a centre-back dilemma.
Currently, they have four senior players in the position, but they are grappling with the setback of losing Giovanni Leoni for an entire year.
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The £26 million acquisition from Parma suffered a torn ACL during his debut against Southampton in the EFL Cup, leaving head coach Arne Slot with just three fit defenders.
Additionally, there are concerns over Ibrahima Konate’s fitness, as he has been released from French international duty.
If he is not fit for Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Manchester United on October 19, the reigning champions will only have Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk available.
Centre-back Crisis for Liverpool
With Gomez potentially set to leave in January or the following summer, Liverpool might need to bring in some additional centre-backs soon.
Missing out on Marc Guehi on transfer deadline day has become a bigger concern in hindsight, but there are still other targets that Slot and Richard Hughes can explore in the upcoming transfer windows.
One player being discussed is Ronald Araujo. The 26-year-old Barcelona defender is not always a first-team choice at the Spanish giants and could be sold to raise funds.
The financially-strapped Catalan club is continually seeking budget cuts, and Araujo could fetch around €60 million if sold.
Possibilities with Araujo
Football Insider’s Peter O’Rourke does not anticipate a January transfer for the Uruguay international, but the landscape could change by next summer, depending on Barcelona’s financial situation.
“I don’t foresee any January move for Araujo,” he stated.
“It will be intriguing to see how Barcelona’s financial issues evolve. Given their struggles over the past couple of seasons with registering and acquiring players, if they have the chance to sell and make a profit, something might develop with Araujo. However, it appears he is content where he is.”
“At Barcelona, he’s not in a hurry to leave, particularly with a contract lasting until 2031. His deal reportedly includes a release clause of around £52 million.”
“For such an experienced and top-class defender, that fee would be relatively modest. I expect clubs will be keeping a close eye on the situation.”