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Ronald Araujo’s move to Liverpool is set to be finalised on Sunday, after a lengthy conversation with Andoni Iraola over his role alongside Virgil van Dijk. Araujo left Spain on Sunday morning to undergo a medical on Merseyside and complete his initial season-long loan from Barcelona. The deal will include an option to buy worth €55 million (£47.1m), with the 27-year-old arriving at a time when Joe Gomez, Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are all sidelined. While Araujo has been predicted to serve as cover for Liverpool’s existing options, Spanish newspaper Sport claims Iraola convinced him to join with plans for a “top-level defensive partnership” with Van Dijk. Following talks with Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who could not guarantee the Uruguayan a starting role, Araujo’s representatives received contact from Anfield. That led to a call with Iraola on Wednesday, with the Spaniard “explaining the project” and highlighting a seemingly key duty in his squad. A video conference then took place between officials from Liverpool and Barcelona, as well as Araujo and his representatives, with the move green-lit late on Friday. Araujo then bid farewell to his team-mates on Saturday morning before preparing for his departure to England, where he will spend at least the next 10 months. Barcelona boss reveals why Sergio Araujo was allowed to leave Speaking at a press conference following Barcelona‘s 1-0 friendly win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Flick explained the situation around Araujo and how he simply did not suit his brand of football. “I think Ronald is a great guy and a great player, but our style of play is different from what he prefers,” the German told reporters per AS. “He’s a powerful and fast player. “It’s a shame for me; it’s been difficult, and I haven’t been able to count on him as much as I would have liked. Past mistakes affected him mentally. “I’ve seen him happy, and I wish him all the best. He’s a fantastic person and player, and a great captain. Changes in life are normal.” Given the shortage of options and the need to manage Jacquet and Leoni in their adjustment to Premier League and Champions League football, it would be no surprise if Araujo features heavily in the coming months. As a physical, right-sided defender capable of covering large areas, there are many similarities between the new arrival and the player he replaces, Ibrahima Konate. That could lend itself to a partnership with Van Dijk, while Iraola oversees the start of a new generation built around Jacquet and Leoni.