Ronald Araujo unveiled as new Liverpool player on loan from Barcelona

Waking up before dawn in Uruguay just to catch Luis Suarez on TV. That was the routine of a kid dreaming about the Premier League from the other side of the Atlantic. That kid, now 27 years old, is Ronald Araujo, and on Monday he was unveiled as Liverpool's newest player, on loan from Barcelona.

The introductory interview on the English club's official channels inevitably included a chapter devoted to Suarez. Araujo made no attempt to hide the admiration he holds for his countryman, or the bond the two still share.

Ever since I was little, I always loved watching Liverpool. In Uruguay, Premier League matches are really early, and I'd get up on my own just to watch that Liverpool team, to watch Lucho.Ronald Araujo

The defender added that from the moment he arrived at Anfield, everyone brought up Suarez, and he revealed that the forward himself sent him a personal message to mark the occasion, telling him it was a great decision.

An urgent need at the back

The signing comes at a time when Liverpool can't afford many luxuries defensively. On Sunday, Andoni Iraola's side fell 3-2 to Monaco in a preseason friendly after squandering a two-goal lead. It was the second straight stumble following a 4-2 loss to Leeds United the week before, and in both games the defensive cracks were plain to see.

Araujo arrives on a season-long loan with a purchase option set at 55 million euros. It's been confirmed that Liverpool will cover his wages for the duration of the loan, though the player himself agreed to a pay cut to help get the deal done. He becomes the Reds' third summer addition, following the arrivals of center back Jeremy Jacquet and forward Victor Munoz.

With Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez still sidelined, and with Jacquet yet to make his preseason debut due to a knee issue, everything points to Araujo starting alongside Virgil van Dijk when the team travels to face Newcastle in under two weeks. His ability to also play right back is an added bonus, especially while Conor Bradley continues his recovery from a knee injury.

A captain with fresh scars

Araujo's time at Barcelona hasn't been easy in recent years. Despite signing a contract extension through 2031 and being named team captain, he battled physical setbacks (17 separate injuries since joining in 2018, according to Transfermarkt) and tough moments away from the field. The player himself told a Spanish outlet that he suffered from anxiety for 18 months that eventually turned into depression, and that he sought help after being sent off against Chelsea last November.

Coach Hansi Flick had clear words as he bid farewell to the defender.

I think Ronald is a great guy and a fantastic player. Our style of play is a bit different from his. I saw him this morning, said goodbye, and I think he was very happy. I wish him all the best because he deserves it.Hansi Flick

Now, with more than 200 appearances for Barcelona and three league titles to his name, Araujo is looking to rediscover his best form at Anfield. Darwin Nunez, who knows that shirt well, already welcomed him on social media, wishing him the best in this new chapter with a club and a fan base that, as he put it, will have his back from day one.