Araujo says it is too early to discuss permanent Liverpool move after just 10 appearances

Ronald Araujo has told reporters it is too early to discuss a permanent move to Liverpool, with the on-loan Uruguay international focused on making the most of his current spell at Anfield after just 10 appearances for the club.

The former Barcelona captain arrived as a surprise addition in the summer and has adapted swiftly to the Premier League, establishing himself as Arne Slot’s first-choice right-back despite his own preference to play centrally. Liverpool hold a £47m option to buy the defender, who turns 28 in March, though whether the club will exercise that clause remains an open question.

“It’s very early to talk about these things. I’m just trying to enjoy every day, continue to grow and develop every day to have that confidence,” Araujo said. “I’m really happy to be here, my family are also very happy but it’s a bit early to be talking about these things.”

Araujo’s ability to operate at right-back has become particularly valuable following Jeremie Frimpong’s hamstring injury against Brentford, which sees the Dutch international join long-term absentee Conor Bradley on the treatment table. The Uruguayan has arguably settled faster than some of his new team-mates — Florian Wirtz, who has been at the club for over a year, is still finding his feet in English football.

Araujo has already earned a strong reputation among supporters, and his contributions in the Champions League have underlined his quality going forward, with a goal and an assist across the first two games of the league phase.

“Coming to Liverpool, it’s not easy. There are those demands, that responsibility. Personally I’d already experienced that in Barcelona,” he said. “It depends on the personality of each player and how they front that challenge. I knew it was a new challenge coming to the Premier League but from the first moment I arrived I had no doubts I had to give everything here. And that’s how I live it.”

Araujo is expected to start when Liverpool host Villarreal in their Champions League tie on Tuesday.