Liverpool to delay Araujo decision until end of season

Liverpool will wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to sign Ronald Araujo permanently from Barcelona. The Uruguay international is currently on loan at Anfield, with the club holding a €55m (£47m) buyout option.

The decision comes after Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1 on Sunday to climb to fourth in the Premier League.

Araujo is "very happy" at Liverpool and his situation is "definitely one to watch for 2027". Araujo's agent, Eduardo Crangar, echoed that sentiment in October but insisted it was "too early" to discuss the defender's future."

Liverpool view the deal as a significant financial commitment and do not intend to rush a decision, despite earlier suggestions they wanted to finalise it now. The report added that if a decision were made today, the feeling would be positive, but no one wants to rush with a long season still ahead.

Captain Virgil van Dijk has already welcomed the prospect of a permanent deal, praising Araujo's aggression and defensive qualities after a win over Brighton in October.