Lewis Steele: Liverpool would be ‘foolish’ not to consider €47m transfer

Lewis Steele: Liverpool would be ‘foolish’ not to consider €47m transfer Liverpool Transfer News: Lewis Steele Backs Permanent Ronald Araujo Deal Liverpool could be facing a major decision over Ronald Araujo’s future, with the defender’s impressive start to his loan spell giving the club reason to consider a permanent move from Barcelona. Araujo’s performances at right-back have added balance to Liverpool’s defence, while his ability to contribute centrally has also helped those around him. Speaking on Media Matters with Dave Davis, journalist Lewis Steele suggested Liverpool should look to make the move permanent if the Uruguayan can maintain his current level throughout the season. However, the reported cost of the deal could prove an important factor, with Liverpool needing to weigh up the defender’s influence against their wider recruitment plans. Ronald Araujo Has Given Liverpool a Decision to Make Araujo’s arrival has changed the discussion around Liverpool’s right-back position. His defensive qualities and versatility offer a different profile from more attack-minded full-backs, helping the team find a better balance across the pitch. Steele believes that impact could make a permanent deal difficult for Liverpool to ignore if the defender continues performing at his current level. “If he continues to play as he is and he becomes Liverpool’s nailed-on right-back, I think they would be foolish not to do it personally,” Steele said. The journalist acknowledged that there is still a long season ahead and that form can fluctuate. Nevertheless, he made clear that Araujo’s performances have impressed him, particularly because of the wider benefits he brings to the team. Why Araujo’s Role Could Be Key to a Permanent Transfer Steele highlighted how Araujo’s presence can improve the players around him, rather than simply focusing on his individual performances. He explained that the defender creates balance on the right-hand side, allowing the winger ahead of him more freedom to attack. His ability to move into midfield and win tackles also gives Liverpool another option when building and defending play. Steele said Araujo was “making other people around him play better” by creating a balance that makes the team more effective. That influence could be central to Liverpool’s decision. A permanent signing would need to offer more than a short-term solution at right-back, and Araujo’s ability to support several areas of the team gives the club a compelling reason to consider keeping him. Photo: IMAGO Transfer Fee Could Determine Liverpool’s Next Move The reported purchase option for Araujo was discussed in the context of a fee of around €47 million to €55 million. Steele admitted he wished the option were lower, as he believes that would make Liverpool more likely to activate it. He also pointed to Liverpool’s reluctance to spend large sums on older players as a potential obstacle. Araujo will be 28 by the end of the season, meaning the club would need to consider both the immediate benefits and the longer-term value of the investment. Steele’s view was that the defender’s performances could ultimately make the decision straightforward, provided he sustains them over the coming months. Liverpool Must Plan for More Than One Full-Back Araujo’s future is part of a wider set of decisions Liverpool face in defence. Steele discussed the importance of having different profiles available, with Conor Bradley offering a more attack-minded option if he can return to fitness and establish himself. Keeping Araujo, or signing a player with a similar profile, could give Liverpool flexibility while allowing Bradley to provide a different dimension at right-back. For now, there is no guarantee that Liverpool will complete a permanent deal. Much will depend on Araujo’s form, the financial terms and the club’s plans for the rest of the defence. Steele’s assessment, however, was clear: if Araujo continues to perform at his current level and becomes Liverpool’s first-choice right-back, the club would have strong reasons to make his move permanent.