Ronald Araujo will wear Liverpool’s No. 33 shirt after joining the club from Barcelona on a season-long loan. Jordon Ibe last wore the number before leaving Liverpool in 2016, while Nigeria had tried to recruit the former England youth international.
Ronald Araujo Takes Jordon Ibe’s Old Liverpool Number
Liverpool confirmed Araujo’s No. 33 shirt after completing his loan move from Barcelona for the 2026/27 season.
Araujo has worn No. 33 before. He said he chose it because he wore the number when he made his professional debut and because it has a personal connection to his faith.
“It’s a number that I like, a number that is special to me.”
Araujo also said Liverpool offered the right move for his career.
“I think it was the ideal move for me at this stage in my career. I think it was a move that was necessary for me to take.”
Liverpool lists Jonjo Shelvey, Sebastian Leto and Neil Mellor among the other Premier League players who have worn No. 33.
Jordon Ibe’s Liverpool Career And Nigeria Interest
Ibe joined Liverpool from Wycombe Wanderers in December 2011. He made his first-team debut against Queens Park Rangers in May 2013 after progressing through the club’s youth system.
He also spent loan spells at Birmingham City and Derby County before returning to Liverpool.
Ibe made 58 senior appearances for Liverpool and scored four goals before Bournemouth signed him in 2016.
Nigeria pursued Ibe while he played for Liverpool because he qualified through his Nigerian father.
Ibe had represented England at youth level, and Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh confirmed in 2015 that the player was prioritising England.
“Jordon Ibe’s family informed me by a telephone call, that he was giving priority to an England call up. We wish them well.”
Ibe continued with England and later represented the country at Under-21 level.
When Did Jordon Ibe Leave Liverpool?
Bournemouth signed Ibe from Liverpool in July 2016 for £15 million. The transfer made him Bournemouth’s record signing at the time.
Ibe left Liverpool after four-and-a-half years at the club. He signed a four-year contract with Bournemouth after completing the transfer.
Ronald Araujo’s Liverpool Transfer
Liverpool signed Araujo on loan from Barcelona for the 2026/27 season. The agreement includes an option for Liverpool to sign him permanently for €55 million (£47.1 million) next summer.
Araujo made 38 appearances for Barcelona during the previous season and scored four goals.
The Uruguay international now takes the No. 33 shirt that Ibe wore during his Liverpool career.
