Araujo stock rises after Uruguay show, as Mac Allister injury worry emerges
Ronald Araujo's loan spell at Liverpool is generating plenty of talk this international break, with his performance for Uruguay against Argentina the main talking point, while there's also a fitness scare over Alexis Mac Allister ahead of the Merseyside derby.
Liverpool.com reports that former Reds defender Dejan Lovren believes Araujo could now be worth as much as $105 million (£80m) given how well he has adapted since arriving on loan from Barcelona (Liverpool.com). The Liverpool Echo echoes that sentiment, suggesting Araujo "will probably cost £80m" and noting Liverpool already hold an option to sign him permanently for £47m next summer, with Lovren quoted as saying it "makes sense" for the club to take it up (Liverpool Echo).
The Echo also places this within a wider look at a "dream" January transfer window scenario, referencing the Araujo situation alongside a separate £58m signing as part of what it describes as a successful start under Andoni Iraola, with Liverpool currently fourth in the Premier League (Liverpool Echo).
On the pitch internationally, LiverpoolFC.com reports that Araujo and his Liverpool teammate Mac Allister met head-to-head as Uruguay beat Argentina in a friendly, with Araujo getting the better of the midfielder on the day (LiverpoolFC.com). Liverpool.com goes further, saying national media in both South American countries praised Araujo's "true class" in that meeting, again rating him above his Liverpool colleague Mac Allister (Liverpool.com).
Away from the Araujo transfer chatter, This Is Anfield flags a concern closer to home, reporting that Mac Allister risks missing the first Merseyside derby of the season against Everton because of an issue picked up around his international duty (This Is Anfield).
Taken together, all the outlets agree Araujo has enhanced his reputation during this loan spell and that Liverpool look increasingly likely to make his move permanent, while the Mac Allister fitness question adds a note of caution heading into a busy run of fixtures.
Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.
