Following the summer departure of Ibrahima Konate, and continued injury concerns over Conor Bradley, Andoni Iraola had prioritised bringing in a flexible defender to cover across his backline
Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni's own fitness issues, and lack of experience, were also a concern and a loan deal was struck with the defending LaLiga champions to bring in Araujo for the 2026/27 campaign.
Despite some initial concerns over his adaptation, the Uruguayan has featured in all five games played so far this season, and started the last three at right-back.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the option of a non-mandatory €55M purchase clause in the agreement - and claimed a deal would be straightforward - if Liverpool want to pay that figure.
No call on a full transfer will be made until at least January with Liverpool having full flexibility up to next summer to make a final decision.