Luis Suarez is doing his part to try and convince Barcelona star Ronald Araujo to make the switch to Liverpool, according to reports in Spain.

Suarez makes his pitch

The former Liverpool striker, who remains a national teammate of Araujo with Uruguay, has reportedly been in direct contact with the centre-back about a potential move to Anfield.

Suarez is said to have told the 26-year-old that Liverpool are “going all out” to secure his signing, encouraging him to seize the opportunity if the deal materialises.

Liverpool have long admired Araujo, with the Premier League champions identifying him as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, now 34.

Reports suggest the Reds are prepared to pay around €50m (£43m) to prise him away from Barcelona.

Ronald Araujo standing at Barcelona

Araujo joined Barcelona in 2018 and has since grown into one of their most reliable defenders, making 178 appearances and winning La Liga twice.

Injuries have hampered him in the past, but he looks to have put those issues behind him this season.

Despite Barcelona’s wealth of defensive options, including Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez, Araujo has reasserted his importance under Hansi Flick.

He showcased that quality in the Champions League this week, putting in a commanding performance against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park as Barça edged a 2-1 win.

Liverpool’s plan for the future

Liverpool’s backline has been under scrutiny, with questions over how the club will manage a post–Van Dijk era.

Arne Slot’s side attempted to land Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace in the summer but failed on deadline day, leaving Araujo as one of the leading names on their shortlist.

With Suarez pushing from the sidelines and the Reds keen to bolster their defence, Araujo could soon find himself at the centre of a major transfer tug-of-war.