Barcelona director of football Deco has admitted he is watching Liverpool and Ronald Araújo closely this season.
Sport cover an interview with the Barcelona director today. It sees he was watching Liverpool take on Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Watching Liverpool
He had a particular interest in the game; defender Ronald Araújo. The 27-year-old joined the Reds on loan from Barcelona last month.
That came about after he found himself out of the picture at Camp Nou under Hansi Flick. The loan contains an option to buy. But if it is not triggered, Araújo’s deal with the Catalans runs until 2031.
That means both parties could have a decision to make in future. For now, it’s about getting game time and back to his best at Anfield. He’s already making a positive early impression on Merseyside, and Deco is watching.
“I watched the Liverpool match yesterday,” he said.
“I love him. I’m fond of him and want him to succeed. Personally, I love him. At times, he hasn’t been able to play at his usual level.
“His time at Barça was spectacular. Sometimes, ideas don’t align. He is under contract with us; it’s still early days.”
What will Liverpool do?
It will certainly be interesting to see how things develop around Ronald Araújo in the coming months. He’s already started well at Anfield in what is a problem position for Andoni Iraola’s side at right-back.
But he is, perhaps, not the right-back they are looking for. While he offers defensive strength – and has demonstrated that in his handful of appearances to date – Iraola wants more going forwards in that position.
It will be interesting to see how the Spanish coach makes that work if Araújo is to be his first choice in the position moving forwards. Deco will be watching on from Barcelona, perhaps waiting to see if the Reds take up that purchase option next summer.
