Liverpool face paying Barcelona double what the Anfield outfit spent on Mohamed Salah if Jurgen Klopp wants to buy Ronald Araujo in the January transfer window, according to CBS.
The Reds granted Klopp’s wish in 2017 by securing a Premier League return for Salah after paying Roma £34m. The Egyptian was a prime target for the German tactician after turning his career around having failed to make the grade at Chelsea with two goals in 19 games.
Salah is now one of the best players in the world and is enjoying a remarkable season with 19 goals in 19 games so far. He has also provided seven assists across all competitions.
Salah’s 13 Premier League goals have also helped Liverpool to boast the top-flight’s most prolific record, with 43 so far. They have scored ten more than anyone else over 14 games.
But while the Liverpool offence has been firing, Klopp wants to improve their defence. ESPN recently reported he has eyes on Barcelona centre-back Araujo as one option.
Manchester United also like the Uruguay enforcer, who has only started five of his ten La Liga appearances this season. Yet CBS notes Ralf Rangnick faces paying the Blaugrana about $90m (£68m) to make the 22-year-old his first marquee signing.
Barcelona would net a considerable profit if Liverpool or Manchester United offer £68m for Araujo’s transfer. The Catalan giants only paid the five-cap international’s former side Boston River €1.7m (£1.4m) in 2018 for him to join their famed La Masia academy.
Liverpool to wait until summer before sealing deal for Barcelona’s Araujo
As well as paying Barcelona double the fee they paid for Salah and fighting off Manchester United, Liverpool may also have to contend with Chelsea.
Reports by Sport note the Blaugrana know of interest from Anfield and Stamford Bridge in their defender. Both clubs are also ready to pursue his services next summer when Araujo enters the final year of his contract. They can offer superior terms than Barcelona as well.
Waiting for summer could cut the fee for the centre-back compared with £68m in January. But the clubs would also run the risk of missing out on a transfer completely if Barcelona hand Araujo a new contract.
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