Barcelona weigh up move for Premier League star after Araujo exit; La Liga defender another option

Barcelona weigh up move for Premier League star after Araujo exit; La Liga defender another option Ronald Araujo’s imminent loan move to Liverpool has reshaped Barcelona’s transfer plans almost overnight. The Uruguayan centre-back has reached a verbal agreement to join the Premier League side on loan for the upcoming season, with the deal also including a purchase option for the Reds. It is an unexpected departure, and one that has prompted Deco and Barcelona’s sporting department to reassess the market in search of a replacement for a position that, until now, had not been considered a priority. Cristian Romero returns to the forefront With Araujo heading to Anfield, Cristian Romero has once again emerged as one of Barcelona’s leading defensive targets, reports SPORT . The Argentine international has been admired by the club for some time thanks to his aggressive defending, competitive mentality and ability to play on the front foot. Until now, however, Romero had remained just one name among several on Barcelona’s shortlist. Araújo’s departure changes that. If Deco decides to bring in an experienced centre-back, Romero now fits the profile more than ever. Tottenham willing to listen Barcelona have always liked Romero. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images) Romero has spent the entire summer determined to leave Tottenham, and the North London club are prepared to consider offers. Inter Milan were among the clubs pushing hardest for his signature. Atletico Madrid have been pursuing Romero for months and reignited their interest this summer after last year’s negotiations collapsed because of Tottenham’s financial demands. This time, the Spanish capital club have made significant progress, particularly with the player himself. Recent reports suggest Atletico are now negotiating directly with Tottenham after reaching a preliminary agreement on personal terms with Romero. Barça could change the picture Even so, Barcelona’s emergence could alter what had appeared to be a move destined for the Metropolitano. The Catalan club have never removed Romero from their shortlist, but Araujo’s departure has dramatically increased their interest. At 28 years old, Romero would bring top-level experience, leadership and the competitive edge that could perfectly complement Pau Cubarsí in central defence. The main obstacle has always been financial. For that reason, Barcelona have consistently favoured the idea of a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer. Laporte remains another option Aymeric Laporte an option as well. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) Romero is not the only defender under consideration. Aymeric Laporte also remains on Barcelona’s shortlist, with one major advantage over the Argentine: he is left-footed. His performances during the World Cup, where he formed an effective partnership with Cubarsi, only strengthened the sporting department’s interest. Laporte returned to Athletic Club from Al-Nassr last summer and remains under contract until 2028. Flick still trusts his current defenders Despite Araujo’s departure, Hansi Flick still has several defensive options at his disposal. Cubarsi remains the leader of the back line, while Eric Garcia, Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin and Alvaro Cortes, who is expected to be part of the first-team squad this season, are all capable of filling central defensive roles when needed. Flick has repeatedly shown his willingness to trust younger players and internal solutions. Even so, Barcelona are once again looking at the transfer market. Araujo’s exit also frees up valuable salary space, with Liverpool set to cover the defender’s wages in full. That financial flexibility has pushed Romero further up the club’s shortlist, and Barcelona’s arrival in the race could significantly reshape the battle for one of the summer’s most sought-after defenders.