Ronaldo Araujo's loan to Liverpool was confirmed on Monday, and he revealed that Luis Suarez told him what to expect on Merseyside. The post Araujo told to enjoy Anfield loan spell by Liverpool legend Suarez appeared first on SoccerNews.
Ronald Araujo was unveiled at Liverpool on Monday (Picture: Getty Images) New Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo used to get up early in the morning to watch their matches when his countryman Luis Suarez starred for the club. The Uruguayan defender has arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona, with a €55 million (£47m) buy option for the Reds. The 27-year-old has been at Barcelona since 2018, making 213 appearances for the Spanish giants and winning three La Liga titles. He has not always been a regular in the starting XI, but has featured regularly, making 38 appearances in all competitions last season. Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. The Reds have brought him in as they reshape their defence following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid. Araujo is delighted to be at Anfield, partly because of the Uruguayan connection as he watched on from his homeland when Suarez was banging in the goals for the Reds from 2011-14. ‘Of course I did,’ he said of following Suarez when he was at Liverpool. Araujo will hope to partner Virgil van Dijk at centre-back (Picture: REUTERS) ‘We loved watching the English Premier League and everyone in Uruguay gets up early in the morning to catch the games. ‘Of course as a kid I used to watch Luis playing all those fantastic games for Liverpool. We all know what he achieved, the history that he made within this club during his time here. So it’s fantastic. ‘From minute one, I’ve been sort of asked about that kind of comparison since I’ve arrived here. I get on really well with him, we’re quite close. ‘Just a few minutes ago I got a good luck message from him saying all the best, you’ve joined a great club and all the very best for your time here.’ Araujo (right) played for Uruguay against England at Wembley in March (Picture: Getty Images) The Reds have another friendly coming up against Como on Saturday before starting their Premier League campaign at Newcastle on August 23. ‘I can’t wait to get started. I’m very, very happy,’ said the new arrival. ‘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.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
Cristiano Ronaldo could see the successful Al Ahli manager, Matthias Jaissle, leave the Saudi club for the Premier League. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon see one of his toughest domestic rivals lose the manager behind its recent continental dominance, with Al Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle closing in on a move to Newcastle United. According to Fabrizio Romano, Jaissle is “the top candidate and in advanced talks to become Newcastle’s new head coach,” with the Italian journalist adding that “he’s the number one candidate to replace Eddie Howe“. The move comes after Howe informed Newcastle of his desire to step away from the game for a break following five years in charge. Newcastle and Al Ahli share the same ownership structure, both being majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has made the transition between the two clubs notably smooth from an administrative standpoint. Jaissle’s departure would mark the end of a hugely successful spell in Saudi Arabia. The 38-year-old German, once tipped as the “new Julian Nagelsmann,” led Al Ahli to back-to-back AFC Champions League Elite titles, becoming the only manager in history to win the competition in consecutive seasons. He Led. We Conquered ☝️#AlAhli | #ACLElite | #LetsGoWithAlAhli pic.twitter.com/nr27AYMxh2— Al-Ahli Saudi Club (@ALAHLI_FCEN) April 25, 2026 Ronaldo facing Jaissle’s Al Ahli For Ronaldo and Al Nassr, Jaissle’s Al Ahli represented one of the club’s most competitive rivals in the Saudi Pro League, where, since Jaissle’s arrival in the summer of 2023, the sides have met seven times. Al Nassr has won four of those meetings, drawn one, and lost one in normal time, with an additional penalty-shootout defeat in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final after a 2-2 draw. Across those seven encounters, Ronaldo managed to score five goals, with his most recent coming in the 2-0 win on April 29, 2026. Arne Slot emerges as a candidate for Al Ahli With Jaissle’s departure looking increasingly likely, Al Ahli have reportedly identified Arne Slot as a primary target to take over. The Dutch coach has been out of work since leaving Liverpool in May, a spell of just over two years at Anfield that included a Premier League title in 2025. Complicating matters, Slot is simultaneously being linked with the vacant Netherlands national team job, according to Fabrizio Romano. Slot emerged as the leading candidate to replace Ronald Koeman after the Dutch federation began searching for a successor following the Oranje’s disappointing Round of 32 exit to Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid have been very active in the summer transfer window so far, making signings like Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.The club have also wrapped up a deal to...
After shining as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup, Rodri Hernández has once again attracted the attention of Real Madrid. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez has reportedly changed his perspective on signing him, bringing the 30-year-old star closer to a return to Spain. Despite arriving with growing doubts, Rodri Hernández became the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. As the central figure of Spain, he established as the undisputed starter ahead of Martin Zubimendi. However, the 30-year-old star is not clear about his future, as he wants to return to Spain despite being under contract with Manchester City. As a result, he is reportedly getting closer to Real Madrid, as Florentino Pérez changed his stance. Amid Real Madrid’s recent presidential elections, Rodri’s arrival was candidate Enrique Riquelme’s main campaign promise. Despite being under contract with Manchester City, the former candidate claimed that he had already secured the midfielder’s signing. After Florentino Pérez was re-elected, any potential move for him appeared to be ruled out. However, there has reportedly been a change in the last few hours. According to Matteo Moretto, a well-known journalist, via X, Rodri Hernández has given the green light to Real Madrid, reaching a contractual agreement. Unlike a few weeks ago, president Florentino Pérez is now very open to his arrival after he shined as the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. However, Los Blancos have not yet opened negotiations with Manchester City, something that may not be easy at all. Amid brilliant performances from Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and others, Rodrigo Hernández was named the MVP of the 2026 World Cup. Providing solidity to the team, he clearly led Spain to victory, establishing as an undisputed starter. With his contract expiring in 2027, the Citizens would need to sell him this summer to avoid losing him as a free agent, something they reportedly appear open. Rodri #16 of Spain is presented the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy by Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino Real Madrid’s Rodri pursuit may threaten Tchouameni’s future Real Madrid appear willing to rebuild their roster. To do so, head coach José Mourinho will be the central figure, already receiving reinforcements such as Ibrahima Konaté, Denzel Dumfries, and Bernardo Silva. While Rodrigo Hernández could still become another marquee addition in midfield, Los Blancos could be forced to sell Aurélien Tchouaméni. Aurélien Tchouaméni is already one of the best players in the world, being a starter for both France and Real Madrid. However, Rodri’s arrival would likely relegate him to the bench, something that would limit his development. At just 26 years old, he still has many years of his career ahead of him compared to the 2026 World Cup MVP, who is already 30. With Rodri Hernández close to joining Real Madrid, Tchouaméni is already attracting interest from the Premier League. According to Samuel Luckhurst, Manchester United have inquired about the French midfielder’s situation, as they are prepared to submit a formal offer this summer. As a result, Real Madrid could undergo a complete rebuild of their midfield.
With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo is still waiting to see who will arrive to strengthen Al-Nassr after Jhon Duran completed a season-long loan move to Benfica, but the Saudi club faces an obstacle that has slowed its plans. With Duran heading back to European soccer, speculation has intensified over who could partner Ronaldo next as the club prepares for the new campaign. The Colombia national team striker leaves after a turbulent spell in Saudi Arabia that included multiple loan moves before his latest switch to Portugal. While Al-Nassr wants to reshape its squad under Ange Postecoglou, developments behind the scenes have complicated the club’s search for reinforcements. Benfica officially signed the 22-year-old on a season-long loan, with the agreement including a reported $34 million purchase option if certain conditions are met. The move gives Duran another opportunity to establish himself in European soccer after brief spells with Fenerbahçe and Zenit St. Petersburg. Duran expressed his excitement during his presentation in Lisbon. “It is a dream to be here. Benfica is the biggest club in Portugal. I want to help the team, score goals, win titles and repay the confidence the club has shown in me,” he said. 🎙️ As primeiras palavras de Jhon Durán de vermelho e branco! pic.twitter.com/wwriuy9oiq— SL Benfica (@SLBenfica) July 20, 2026 The transfer marks the seventh club of the player’s professional career, a remarkable journey for a player who is still only 22. Since making his senior debut with Envigado in 2019, he has represented clubs in Colombia, the United States, England, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Russia and now Portugal. The issue delaying Al-Nassr’s transfer plans As Duran departs, Al-Nassr has yet to announce a direct replacement, and reports suggest there is a significant reason behind the inactivity. According to multiple reports, including Saudi outlet Al-Riyadiyah, Al-Nassr is having a serious cash flow problem since club income is less than outstanding obligations. The situation has affected transfer planning, delayed recruitment, and reportedly forced the club to slow negotiations despite identifying several transfer targets. The financial situation has also reportedly contributed to restrictions on transfer spending, leaving the club unable to complete deals until budgets receive executive approval. Even relatively modest transfers have reportedly stalled during the current window. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr lifts the Saudi Pro League Trophy Ronaldo waits for attacking reinforcements With Duran now in Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the focal point of Al-Nassr’s attack heading into the 2026-27 season. The Portuguese captain is expected to lead the frontline once again while the club continues searching for additional attacking quality. Several high-profile names have been linked with Al-Nassr over recent months. Reports have mentioned Premier League stars, such as Mohamed Salah, Bruno Fernandes, and Gabriel Martinelli, although none of those moves has progressed into a completed transfer. Some reports also suggest the club could prioritize signing another winger rather than replacing Duran with a traditional center-forward. That strategy would still leave Ronaldo as the primary goalscoring reference in the squad.
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