Liverpool sign Araújo on loan from Barcelona after Monaco collapse exposes defensive shortage

Liverpool completed the one-season loan signing of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araújo on 10 August, hours after the squad squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Monaco in their final pre-season match. Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and £50m arrival Jérémy Jacquet are all sidelined, leaving head coach Andoni Iraola short of fit defenders. The deal includes an option to buy for around £47m.