Darwin Nunez appears to have let the cat out of the bag on Ronald Araujo’s expected move to Liverpool, congratulating his Uruguay teammate before the Reds officially announced the transfer.
Araujo is reportedly closing in on a season-long loan move from Barcelona, with Liverpool set to have an option to make the deal permanent next summer.
The expected arrival comes as new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola looks to add greater depth and experience to a defence that has been hit by departures and injuries during the summer.
But before Liverpool could officially confirm the deal, Nunez appeared to jump the gun with a message to his international teammate on X.
“All the best in this new stage, my brother. You are going to an incredible club, with incredible people and fans who will support you from day one. I love you very much,” Nunez wrote.
The post quickly raised eyebrows among Liverpool supporters, with the former Reds striker seemingly confirming what has been widely reported about Araujo’s impending arrival at Anfield.
The relationship between Nunez and Araujo goes beyond club football.
The two Uruguay internationals have shared the pitch regularly for their country over the past six years and have developed a close friendship during that time.
Nunez also knows exactly what awaits Araújo at Anfield.
The striker spent three seasons with Liverpool before leaving for Al Hilal last summer, giving him plenty of first-hand experience of the club, its supporters and the expectations surrounding playing for the Reds.
His message therefore carries added significance as Araújo prepares for what could become the next chapter of his career.
Araujo’s potential arrival would give Iraola a major boost as he attempts to rebuild Liverpool’s defensive options ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Reds have already experienced significant changes at the back.
Ibrahima Konate has left for Real Madrid on a free transfer, while Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are currently unavailable through injury.
Summer signing Jeremy Jacquet has also been recovering from a shoulder problem, leaving Liverpool short of established options in central defence during a crucial period of pre-season preparation.
Araujo could therefore arrive at exactly the right time.
The Uruguay international is capable of playing at centre-back and can also operate at right-back, giving Iraola the versatility he needs when managing injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion.
The 27-year-old has spent the majority of his senior career at Barcelona after moving to the Catalan giants from Uruguayan club Boston River in 2018.
He developed into an important first-team defender at Camp Nou, making more than 200 appearances and winning three LaLiga titles.
However, his opportunities became more limited last season, increasing speculation over his future.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick added further fuel to the transfer reports when he confirmed over the weekend that Araujo was set to leave the club.
The defender has since travelled to England as negotiations over his move to Liverpool continue.
Araujo is now expected to complete the formalities of his move and join Iraola’s Liverpool squad.
For the Reds, the deal would address an immediate defensive concern while giving the new manager another experienced international option.
For the Uruguayan, it represents an opportunity to restart his club career at one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
And for the ex-Reds forward, his social-media message may have inadvertently revealed the transfer before Liverpool were ready to do so.
The official announcement may still be pending, but the former Liverpool striker appears to have already welcomed his Uruguay teammate to Merseyside.
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