Darwin Nunez 'announces' Liverpool's newest signing as heartfelt message sent

Darwin Nunez has confirmed that centre-back Ronald Araujo will be joining Liverpool - by sending him a public message on social media.

Nunez left Liverpool last summer to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, but things have not gone to plan at his new club.

He was de-registered from league matches during the second half of last season after Al Hilal signed Karim Benzema, and has been put up for sale this summer.

Al Hilal have ultimately accepted a loan move for the Uruguay striker, and Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor announced on Sunday evening that he would be joining them on a temporary basis for the 2026/27 season.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano reported on Friday that Liverpool had reached an agreement to sign Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo, also on loan.

READ MORE: Liverpool agree loan deal for top-class centre-back in move nobody expected

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick told reporters on Sunday that he had taken the decision to allow the 27-year-old to leave Camp Nou, stating that he did not fit into his tactical system.

It has therefore been a case of Liverpool fans waiting for the announcement to be made official by the club, with Araujo primarily set to provide central defensive cover for Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni.

Nunez and Araujo are international team-mates for Uruguay and, if the former Liverpool striker's latest post is anything to go by, he has either been keeping a close eye on the news or has spoken to Araujo himself.

"I wish you the best in this great club, friend," he wrote on Twitter, addressing the defender directly.

"I'm deeply glad that you can feel what the affection and support of the LFC fans is like, they are special, and they're going to make you feel it that way, now you're a red too, from afar always wishing you the best ¡VAMO ARRIBA!"

He ended the post with a loveheart and prayer emoji.

More details on Liverpool's Araujo signing

Ronald Araujo is set to join Liverpool on a loan deal until the end of the season. There is reported to be an option to buy worth around £55 million.

The Times' Paul Joyce has revealed, however, that the defender has 'not been pinpointed as a long-term signing', but will be a valuable part of Andoni Iraola's squad while other defenders recover from their injury issues.

Joe Gomez suffered a muscle problem during pre-season, leaving Liverpool light at centre-back and right-back.

Alongside Conor Bradley's continuing long-term absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the Reds currently only have Jeremie Frimpong available at right-back until they are forced to play a player out of their ideal position.

READ MORE: Liverpool learn Ronald Araujo transfer price as loan deal details emerge

Araujo is primarily a central defender but can also play on the right if needed.

He earns around £300,000 per week at Camp Nou, with Romano reporting that Liverpool have offered to pay his wages in full.

That would class the Uruguayan as Liverpool's second-highest earner behind club captain Van Dijk, according to Capology, but the cost will be offset by the fact that the Reds won't be paying any other fees to Barca.