Liverpool to explore cheaper Ronald Araujo summer option

Liverpool will look to permanently recruit a new defender next summer, that much is clear.

Whether that comes in the form of making Ronald Araujo’s loan deal permanent, activating Jarell Quansah’s buy-back clause or signing a new player, it looks almost certain to happen.

Araujo’s performances have certainly merited some kind of reward, and a full-time Merseyside move could certainly be on the cards, but concerns over the Uruguayan's age and salary demands could prevail.

There are several other options available to Liverpool of course, and Liverpool’s interest in one target is starting to heat up according to a fresh report.

Liverpool exploring cheaper Araujo option

Pierre Kalulu is a name that has been linked with a potential Anfield switch for some time, and the Frenchman is now once again being lined up for a move.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider, which claims the Reds view the 26-year-old as an option when considering the long-term plan for Liverpool’s backline.

The defender could also be added in the upcoming winter window, but is mainly being targeted due to concerns over the long-term futures of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong.

The big draw with Kalulu is that he is very capable of being deployed at both right-back and in the centre of the defence, something that has been a huge asset for Araujo this season.

It is unlikely the Juventus man would come in as a first-choice at Anfield but his ability to cover multiple positions would lead to plenty of minutes regardless.

The big advantage that Kalulu has over Araujo is that he is both a year younger and would potentially be cheaper next summer.

Football Insider’s report doesn’t reveal the price Liverpool are likely to pay, but it would be a surprise to see a figure of more than €55 million (~£47.5m), Araujo’s buy clause, quoted.

Kalulu would also be considerably cheaper than Quansah, but the Englishman is younger and would also fulfil a crucial homegrown spot in Andoni Iraola’s squad.

A deal for Kalulu will give Julain Ward and Liverpool’s recruitment team plenty to think about, and could spell trouble for Araujo’s permanent move.