Liverpool are weighing up a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo, with the Uruguayan seen as a possible replacement for Ibrahima Konate if the Frenchman departs at the end of his contract next summer.

Konate’s future up in the air

Konate has yet to extend his deal at Anfield since arriving in 2021, and reports in Spain suggest Real Madrid are circling with a view to signing him on a free transfer.

Los Blancos have already built a reputation for snapping up high-profile free agents, bringing in the likes of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Kylian Mbappe in recent years.

If Konate does move on, Liverpool will need to act quickly to secure a high-calibre replacement capable of stepping straight into Arne Slot’s defence.

Araujo’s changing role at Barcelona

Once regarded as Barcelona’s defensive lynchpin, Araujo has seen his importance diminish under Hansi Flick.

The emergence of Pau Cubarsí and Eric Garcia has pushed the 26-year-old down the pecking order, leaving his long-term future at Camp Nou uncertain.

While Araujo remains popular in the dressing room, his reduced game time has prompted his camp to keep an open mind about a potential exit.

Liverpool are said to be the most advanced club in terms of analysing his contract situation, with Fichajes reporting that the Reds consider him well-suited to the pace and physical demands of the Premier League.

Price tag and competition

Barcelona would reportedly demand around $50m (€59m) for the centre-back, who has already earned 24 caps for Uruguay. Other European clubs are monitoring the situation, but Liverpool’s interest is described as the strongest at this stage.

Why Liverpool want him

Slot’s side has looked sharper defensively in recent weeks, but long-term concerns remain.

Virgil van Dijk will turn 35 next summer, and Konate’s uncertain future has added further pressure to recruit. Araujo’s blend of power, pace and aggression is seen as an ideal fit for Liverpool’s high line and transitional play.

If Konate does walk away on a free, a domino effect could see Real Madrid land their man while Liverpool move quickly to secure Araujo as his successor.