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Liverpool recruitment team's 'stroke of genius' could lead to new Anfield 'icon' being born Jason McAteer argued that Ronald Araujo could develop into a Liverpool legend after the Reds acquired the Uruguayan international on a season-long loan from Barcelona Jason McAteer argued that Liverpool’s acquisition of Ronald Araujo could be a “stroke of genius” that, if all goes well, will produce an Anfield icon. As injuries continued to pile up for Liverpool — with Joe Gomez suffering a muscle injury eight minutes into the club’s preseason friendly against Sunderland and Giovanni Leoni already sidelined — the Reds’ recruitment team acted quickly to address its dwindling depth at center-back and right-back. On August 10, Liverpool secured Araujo on a one-year season loan from Barcelona. The Reds will cover the Uruguayan international's wages while also retaining the option to sign him permanently for $63 million once the 2026-27 campaign wraps up. While making an appearance on LFC TV, McAteer — who played for Liverpool from 1995 to 1999 — argued that Araujo possesses all the tools needed to shine on Andoni Iraola’s squad. “He’s got bags of experience, international level, he’s won things at Barcelona, captained Barcelona,” McAteer said of Araujo. “It could be a stroke of genius. Could be a stroke of genius by the recruitment team. “Bring him in, relight his career, play alongside Van Dijk so he’ll be protected. He’s at an unbelievable football club where he’ll feel the love. “If he delivers, he could become iconic. He’s got everything about him to be the next great center-half. He really has. “Coming here to Liverpool, where two seasons ago we were Premier League champions, on an unbelievable run. This football club, the foundations are solid, great people, great supporters, great players around him. A change of environment could be what he needs.” Araujo will have a rare opportunity to line up alongside an active Liverpool legend in Virgil van Dijk, should he beat out Leoni, Gomez and summer transfer Jeremy Jacquet for a key role in the Reds’ defense. Van Dijk, 35, is set to become a free agent next summer, with his current contract only running through the end of this season. “We all know what a great player Virgil is,” said Araujo, who played 45 minutes in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over the Italian side Como after coming on at halftime of Sunday’s friendly. “He’s a real reference point for the team, and he’s a kind of role model and reference for me personally as well. “I’m looking forward to lining up alongside him, hopefully, and spending time with him both on the field and off it as well. I am excited to have that opportunity and enjoy learning from him, playing alongside him. “With hard work, I think we can achieve good things together as a partnership and as a defense.” Van Dijk, to his credit, has welcomed Araujo to Anfield with open arms. “Any player that arrives at the club we will be welcoming,” he said.