Liverpool have completed the signing of Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan, strengthening their options at the back ahead of the new campaign.

Ronald Araujo is expected to provide valuable defensive depth for the Reds following the departure of Ibrahima Konate, who left Anfield for Real Madrid in June.

The Uruguayan could form a formidable centre-back partnership with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, while the club continue to monitor the fitness of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.

“I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy,” Araujo said after completing his move to Liverpool.

“I’m excited to be here at this massive club with lots of history. I’m excited to meet my teammates, excited to get started playing, and I’m very motivated and really up for getting going.

“I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take. As soon as I heard that interest from Liverpool, everything went into action really, really quickly.

“As I say, I’m super happy to be here and excited to get started. I’m glad about the interest and it was the right move at the right time.”

The 27-year-old Araujo has captained Barcelona since January, taking over the armband following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s departure. He has also made 27 appearances for Uruguay, scoring once.

Araujo joined Barcelona in 2018 and went on to help the Catalan giants win three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies.

The defender will wear Liverpool’s number 33 shirt, a number that has been vacant since Jordon Ibe left the club in 2016.