Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo this summer, seeing him as a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk.

Thankfully for the Reds, it looks increasingly likely that Van Dijk will remain at Anfield beyond this summer, having claimed there has been “progress” regarding a new contract.

That said, the Dutchman isn’t going to be around forever at Liverpool, turning 34 this summer, so long-term successors need to be looked at.

According to Revelo [via Sport Witness], Araujo is an option for the Reds, with the Uruguayan potentially costing as much as £64.4m this summer.

That’s what his release clause is reported to be, although £55.8m is also mentioned as a different amount, which would be even more ideal.

A swap deal involving Liverpool winger Luis Diaz is mooted, but there is nothing concrete regarding it, as things stand.

A brilliant option to be Van Dijk’s successor

Araujo is arguably one of Europe’s leading centre-back currently, so the idea of him in a Reds shirt is exciting, with at least one new central defender needed in the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old has had a frustrating season at Barca due to injury, but he is a dominant presence who former manager Xavi lauded back in 2022, calling him “spectacular”, while Carles Puyol once said of him:

“Right now, if he’s not the best central defender in the world, he’s among the top three. He’s young, he still has room for improvement and I think we have a very good central defender at Barcelona for many years to come.”

That speaks volumes about the level Araujo is capable of reaching and he has averaged 3.8 aerial duel wins per game in the Champions League this season, as well as completing 93.3% of his passes in the competition.

Liverpool need to sign someone who could be the future leader of Arne Slot’s defence for many years, especially as there is no guarantee that Ibrahima Konate will stay forever, as well as having injury problems in his career.

In Araujo, the Reds would be bringing in an ideal option to replace Van Dijk eventually, but while Barca will likely want to keep him, their financial issues could force them to sell.