It seems that after a few days of waiting and uncertainty, Julian Araujo will become a Barça player. Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano has assured that the current Los Angeles Galaxy right-back will travel to Barcelona on Thursday to sign for the club until June 2026.
Just over a week ago, FIFA’s Transfer Matching System (TMS) denied FC Barcelona the signing of the Mexican by just 18 seconds. Even so, the club appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAD) to allow them to register the player.
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Now, the club will have to pay just under €4 million to the Galaxy for the signing of the 21-year-old defender. However, pending an appeal with CAS, he can only train with the club for now until there is a resolution.
Araujo made his MLS debut at the age of 17 and is also the first player born in the 21st century to play in the MLS All-Star team. Despite his youth, the Lompoc (California) native has made 100 appearances in the US top flight, with a total of two goals and 14 assists.
Julián Araujo to Barcelona, here we go! Mexican right back will travel tomorrow to Barcelona — deal finally done after crazy Deadline Day saga. 🚨🔵🔴🇲🇽 #FCB
Araujo will sign a contract until June 2026, deal agreed with LA Galaxy for bit less than €4m total package. It’s done. pic.twitter.com/iA2JhMNRKn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 15, 2023
Barça past
Julian Araujo already knows what it’s like to wear the Azulgrana shirt. The Mexican player trained at the ‘Barça Academy’ in Arizona and, the season he signed for Los Angeles Galaxy (2018-2019), he did a campus at La Masia training with the youth team, although he did not end up signing and embarked on his first professional adventure in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Barça Atletic coach, Rafa Marquez, spoke to RELEVO about the Mexican defender:
“It wasn’t my request, but I’m delighted that he’s coming. They’ve already been watching him since before I arrived.
“Now the situation has arisen and I’m delighted. He’s going to be with me for a while and then move on to the first team.
“Let him do a bit adjusting and I hope he has a nice career here”
