Liverpool move for €60m Van Dijk replacement discussed by Spanish media

Liverpool are facing a contract crisis on three fronts. Trent Alexander-Arnold appears destined to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Mohamed Salah, meanwhile, is still involved in a contract standoff with the club and unless something changes then he too will be leaving for pastures new.

READ MORE: Real Madrid to finally suffer transfer DEFEAT to Reds

Team captain Virgil van Dijk, 33, is also out of contract in summer 2025. Although Liverpool were previously thought to be confident of renewing the Dutchman the trail has gone cold of late.

And even if the club do manage to tie down the central defender, given his age a replacement will likely need to be sourced before long.

READ MORE: Liverpool ready €50m offer to sign sensational German star

Among the contenders linked with an Anfield arrival this summer have been Nico Schlotterbeck and Jorrel Hato and last week it emerged that Arne Slot had identified his perfect Van Dijk replacement at Barcelona.

Arne Slot's 'dream' Van Dijk replacement

It was reported by El Nacional that Ronald Araujo, 26, was the preferred candidate to step into the breach left by Van Dijk. He would be available for around €60 million, with Barca willing to sell owing to a difficult financial predicament.

Araujo, a Uruguay international, is under contract at Camp Nou until 2031 but is surplus to requirements with Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia now ahead of him at centre-back.

It was even suggested that talks could begin between the parties in a matter of weeks, with a summer transfer lined up.

Liverpool move for Araujo ruled out

But that story has now been scuppered by a rival Spanish source in Fichajes. It reports that TWO English Premier League sides have backed away from a deal for Araujo, counting Liverpool and Manchester United among that number.

“The Reds haven't seriously considered a move for the Uruguayan centre-back either,” a report reads. “Although his profile would be a good fit for Anfield, the interest never went beyond rumours.”

READ MORE: Liverpool plot €80m Alexander-Arnold REVENGE on Real Madrid

Excellent in one-on-one duels and possessing fearsome pace, Araujo is nonetheless not as good with the ball at his feet as Van Dijk, a facet surely valued highly by Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.