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Darwin Nunez has given thumbs up to Liverpool transfer as deal gets seal of approval

Former Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has already shared his thoughts on Ronald Araujo, who is set to join the club from Barcelona

[Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo]

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Darwin Nunez has previously discussed his Uruguay teammate Ronald Araujo(Image: Luis ROBAYO / AFP via Getty Images)

Former Liverpool star Darwin Nunez has already lauded Ronald Araujo's key traits as the defender edges closer to a move to Anfield. The Reds have pursued the Barcelona star to shore up their defensive concerns.

Araujo is on the verge of completing a loan move from Barcelona to strengthen Liverpool's backline. Andoni Iraola's side need more options in defence, with skipper Virgil van Dijk currently the only senior centre-back available to the manager.

Araujo predominantly operates as a central defender but can also fill in at right-back, addressing issues in two positions. The Liverpool ECHO has reported that the loan deal includes a buy option, with the defender due to undergo a medical on Sunday.

The 27-year-old featured in Uruguay's World Cup squad this summer, although he remained on the sidelines due to a calf problem. Former Liverpool striker Nunez is a friend of Araujo's and has previously spoken glowingly of the defender's character off the pitch.

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"Ronald, well, he's been my friend for a long time," Nunez told AUFTV in May 2025. "He's a very humble person, he comes from the same background as me, he also has the same characteristics as me, we both come from towns that are very far from the city of Montevideo."

Beyond their close friendship, Nunez highlighted the qualities that best define Araujo: "This is a humble person, a cheerful person, a family man and a good friend."

Nunez would likely be delighted that Liverpool are opting to sign Araujo. The striker also demonstrated his fondness for the defender in 2022, when Araujo's prospects of featuring at the World Cup appeared uncertain.

[Darwin Nunez and Ronald Araujo]

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Nunez and Araujo have been international teammates for several years(Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

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The Barcelona centre-half had suffered a thigh injury, which required surgery, several months ahead of the tournament. Before a friendly against Canada in September 2022, Nunez displayed a Uruguay shirt bearing Araujo's name to show him he remained in the team's thoughts.

Similar to this summer's competition, Araujo was deemed fit enough to be named in Uruguay's World Cup squad almost four years ago. However, he did not play before his nation were eliminated at the group stage.

Araujo became Barcelona club captain in January following experienced goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen's loan exit. He helped guide the Catalan club to the La Liga title, featuring in 24 league matches.

The defender has spent most of his career with the reigning Spanish champions, originally joining Barcelona B after arriving from Uruguayan outfit Boston River in 2018. Araujo has accumulated 213 appearances for Barcelona, claiming three La Liga titles and lifting the Copa del Rey twice.

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