Two years ago, the prospect of Barcelona loaning out their captain and best defender to Liverpool was unthinkable, as he was one of the world's top defenders.
Today, the reaction is one of relief and joy from the Culers' fans, who see Ronald Araujo as a liability to Hansi Flick's side.
Is it possible for Ronald Araujo to return to his best?
The potential to bring the Barcelona defender back to being one of the best defenders in the world is very real. His past achievements and top form would still make him one of the best in the world, and Liverpool clearly have full confidence he can fulfil that potential.
His level has dropped since, making catastrophic errors and letting his team down in previous campaigns, most recently with a red card in a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, which resulted in him taking that month-long mental health break in early December.
Despite this, Liverpool have a defender who earlier in his career was regarded as one of the world's best. The quality is there to be rediscovered.
A trophy-laden spell at Barcelona
The Barcelona captain won three La Liga titles and two Spanish Cups in 143 appearances since joining the Culers in 2019.
He had Xavi Hernandez praise him, saying 'he'd improved the most out of all the players in his team,' as well as having Vinicius Jr. claim he was the best defender he has faced.
He also has incredible strength and aerial presence, bagging three goals this season in 24 games, which included 11 starts, for Barcelona in the league campaign.
Most notably, Araujo was dribbled past just once all season in La Liga, a stat that should stand out to Liverpool fans.
With the likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Ibrahima Konate getting caught out of position or easily letting attackers past them last season, it will be beneficial for Andoni Iraola to see that defensive reliability return alongside Virgil Van Dijk.
His speed and athleticism are far superior to those of the majority of footballers, and he won all the pre-season fitness tests. The physical aspects are really needed in the Premier League, so it's key to have someone physically ready to compete at that level.
How does Araujo work in this team?
The Uruguayan also complements the Liverpool captain very well.
He won't be part of a high line, where he struggles. He can have that space to push up, be aggressive and win the ball to counter quickly.
That is key. The mistakes were more exaggerated at Barcelona purely because of how high Hansi Flick plays his back line, which invited more pressure onto Araujo. He can see more of the game from further back, which may help his confidence and reduce his rash tackles and missed passes.
Next to him, he will have the experience, composure and intelligence of Virgil Van Dijk to help prevent him from stepping out of position and making game-changing mistakes, something he wouldn't have at Barca, being the more senior of the defenders, with Pau Cubarsi only being 18 years old.
Being able to have someone to guide him and help him in a return to form, away from the negativity, is so key, which is why this loan is perfect for him.
It gives him the best environment to return to being one of the world's best defenders.
It has also been mentioned that Darwin Nunez spoke about how supportive Liverpool fans were for the fellow Uruguayan forward, something that Araujo will also benefit from.
This comes together to make a brilliant option to revive his career, and for Liverpool the risk is low.
What are the details of Liverpool's latest loan deal?
The loan move includes a buy option of £55 million, but it is not obligatory, so Liverpool can choose not to sign him if he doesn't meet expectations.
As he can end up returning to Barcelona, it is zero risk: the club get more senior cover ready to be thrown in straight away, whilst Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacuqet learn their trade.
Araujo also plays right back, meaning he will be able to spread across the two positions. It gives Iraola the flexibility to have different combinations at the back, which will be ideal for two games a week at the end of the calendar year.
This move is superb for Ronald Araujo, Barcelona and Liverpool, and makes so much sense.
All parties get what they want, and Liverpool still get defensive cover that sees less money spent on the financial books.
Liverpool's £432 million annual spend (as predicted by the Valuball app) represents a need to reduce the finances the club are using, and so a smart loan signing like this is ideal.
The Uruguayan defender will be able to face Newcastle in the first game of the Premier League season if the deal becomes finalised before 23rd August.
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