Andoni Iraola handpicks new £30m right-back

Ronald Araujo looks right at home at Liverpool.

The 27-year-old has emerged as a fan favourite throughout his short time at Anfield since moving from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal.

The Uruguayan is a centre-back by trade and was initially expected to provide a solid, senior partner for Virgil van Dijk while the likes of Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni got up to speed with the rigours of the Premier League.

But Jacquet has settled quicker than many would have expected at centre-back - with Araujo playing at right-back instead.

He has been impressive - winning plaudits in the weekend victory over Brighton - but is probably not a long-term solution in a problem position.

Daniel Banjaqui handpicked by Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola and Julian Ward will have to put their heads together and come up with a list of targets to solve the right-back issue for the seasons ahead.

Jeremie Frimpong has had his troubles and doesn’t look like a natural there either while Conor Bradley is still dealing with a serious injury.

That means the 2024/25 Premier League champions could well be looking at right-backs sooner rather than later. A report in TEAMtalk is claiming that a young European and world champion at Benfica is emerging as a genuine target.

Benfica right-back could cost £30m

UEFA Under 17-European Championship winner and FIFA Under-17 World Cup titleist Daniel Banjaqui is beginning to establish himself in the Benfica first team.

The right-back signed a contract extension last April until 2031 and has been rated at around £30m.

“Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola is understood to be an admirer,” the report reads.

It could suggest that the Basque tactico is gunning for the young Portuguese attack-minded right-back.

Daniel Banjaqui: Situation summary

Daniel Banjaqui is an 18-year-old Benfica right-back whose game centres on pace, power and attacking intent. Strong in duels and quick recovering defensively, he offers an explosive presence down the flank.

His 2026/27 campaign remains a gradual introduction rather than a full breakthrough: two Primeira Liga starts, alongside three appearances for Benfica B, underline that he is still establishing himself at senior level.

Benfica strengthened their position by extending his contract until 2031 in April. That leaves little contractual pressure to sell, with continued development in Lisbon the club’s reported preference.

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly monitoring him, alongside several continental clubs, but no formal negotiations have begun.

Reports suggest £30m–£33m could open discussions, although an immediate departure is far from assured; staying at Benfica currently looks likelier than a January move.