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Barcelona star has admitted he loves Virgil van Dijk amid claims he could join Liverpool

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 04: Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona kicks the ball during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at Camp Nou on December 04, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is wanted by Liverpool – and that could mean him joining forces with one of his heroes, Virgil van Dijk.

Liverpool fancy signing Araujo

ESPN reported in November that Liverpool are looking at Araujo ahead of a possible bid in 2022.

Manchester United are keen too, with Barcelona struggling to renew the centre back’s contract.

Araujo, 22, is out of contract in 2023 and Barcelona may soon fear losing him for next to nothing.

Liverpool are described as being ‘particularly keen’ on Araujo, with Reds scouts watching him throughout 2021.

Barcelona face Araujo sale after Champions League exit

What could really complicate matters is that Barcelona are now out of the Champions League.

Defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night means Barcelona will now drop down into the Europa League for the first time in nearly 18 years.

Barcelona’s finances are bad enough as they are, never mind without Champions League money.

Certain players may be on the chopping block to raise funds, and Araujo is one given that his contract is running down.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 04: Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at Camp Nou on December 04, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Araujo loves Anfield star Virgil van Dijk

A move to Liverpool may really appeal to Araujo given Virgil van Dijk’s standing at Anfield.

Earlier this year, Araujo was asked to name his three defensive inspirations.

Araujo named Gerard Pique, Diego Godin and Liverpool star Van Dijk as his top three.

Whilst Liverpool do have Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate, the chance to play with Van Dijk could be too great for Araujo.

The Uruguayan is a name to keep an eye on moving into 2022, with Liverpool potential in position to raid Barcelona.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 27: (BILD OUT) Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga Santander match between Villarreal CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on November 27, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Photo by Maria Jose Segovia/DeFodi Images via Getty Images