Liverpool fans say their first January transfer is done already after Atletico Madrid comeback
Liverpool fans have declared that their first January signing is already completed after their 2-1 comeback win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Marcos Llorente opened the scoring for Atletico in the first half, but Dominik Szoboszlai made it 1-1 five minutes before the half-time interval. It took the same amount of time after the break for Liverpool to take the lead, with fellow midfielder Alexis Mac Allister's thunderbolt strike from 22 yards making it 2-1.
Reds supporters were particularly impressed by the performance of Ronald Araujo, who is on a season-long loan from Barcelona with an option to buy.
READ MORE: Liverpool learn Ronald Araujo transfer price after loan deal confirmed
'I've seen enough...' - Liverpool told they have to sign Ronald Araujo
Araujo was starting his second consecutive game for Liverpool after he played 90 minutes in Friday's 2-0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
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The Uruguay international assisted Szoboszlai's goal with a superb backheel, and looked imperious defensively while being calm and composed on the ball.
Araujo is primarily a centre-back but is filling in at right-back - a position he is comfortable in - due to Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez's injuries and Jeremie Frimpong's poor form.
Liverpool can activate an option to buy the 27-year-old for a fee of €55 million (around £47 million), and Reds fans have decided that the clause will be triggered at the first possible opportunity after an impressive performance at Anfield.
"Tomorrow morning I see the transfer for Araujo," one wrote.
"Ronald Araujo is going to end up being one of Liverpool's greatest ever loan deals," a second said. "I'm close to 100 per cent certain we'll trigger his €47m permanent deal clause next summer."
"They lied about Araujo, this guy is phenomenal," a third stated.
While a fourth wrote: "Araujo just delivered a BOSS performance. Liverpool need to trigger the clause tonight. Thanks, Barca."
"I've seen enough, activate the clause," a fifth demanded.
And another went one step further: "I WANT US TO LIFT THIS CLAUSE TONIGHT. WHO IS THIS PLAYER? VISCA BARCA. VISCA CATALUNYA."
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Liverpool are considering Ronald Araujo permanent deal
Prior to the Champions League win over Atletico, Spanish outlet SPORT reported that Liverpool have been 'delighted' with Araujo's start to life at Anfield.
He was told by Barca manager Hansi Flick that he was not part of his plans for the upcoming season, but is clearly very much in Reds head coach Andoni Iraola's plans.
It has been claimed that Liverpool see Araujo as a 'necessary addition' and that there is 'a consensus among the club's hierarchy that it was the right move' to sign him on loan.
"Liverpool are confident they haven't made a mistake," the report adds. "Araujo has exceeded expectations, and both the manager and the board are genuinely pleased with their signing. They expect complete success."
A permanent deal is 'not out of the question', it is stated.
In his first interview as a Liverpool player, Araujo told the Reds' official website that he felt his style of play would be 'perfect' for the Premier League.
"I think my attributes will suit this league down to the ground," he said. "I think the style of play in the English league should be perfect for my qualities as a player.
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"It's a league I've wanted to play in for a long time. It's very, very competitive and some say - and why not? - it's the best league in the world. So I'm full of excitement, I'm full of hope."
Topics: Liverpool, Champions League
Ryan Smart