Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Barcelona have secured the signing of right-back Julián Araujo.
Romano’s update on the 21-year-old surprised many, coming 15 days after the last day of the January 2023 transfer window. The Blaugrana were particularly keen on signing Araujo last month, but the complications on the day of the deadline apparently prevented them from doing so.
However, they now appear to have taken their man out of the active transfer window. Romano provided some details about the move involving Araujo, who has been plying his trade for MLS team LA Galaxy for nearly four years. The transfer news pundit tweeted:
“Julián Araujo to Barcelona, here we go! The Mexican right-back is traveling to Barcelona tomorrow. The deal is finally done after the madness of Deadline Day.”
Roman added:
“Araujo will sign a contract until June 2026; deal agreed with LA Galaxy for just under 4 million euros in total package. It’s done.”
Julián Araujo to Barcelona, here we come! The Mexican right-back will travel to Barcelona tomorrow, a deal finally closed after the madness of Deadline Day. 🚨🔵🔴🇲🇽 #FCBAraujo will sign a contract until June 2026, an agreement agreed with LA Galaxy for just under 4 million euros in total package. It’s done. https://t.co/iA2JhMNRKn
More details about the deal are expected to emerge soon. However, fans will be eager to learn how the Blaugrana managed the transfer more than two weeks after the transfer window closed.
Julián Araujo ready to strengthen Barcelona’s young defense
Barcelona has tended to build a younger team under Xavi Hernández.
That has been particularly true of their back line, which features the likes of Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde. While Araujo is 23, Kounde is 24 and Balde is 19. Even Andreas Christensen, one of the most experienced defenders on the squad, is just 26.
Julián Araujo, 21, will join the youth of the Blaugrana defense. He will likely challenge Kounde for the right-back spot, as Hector Bellerin left Camp Nou for Sporting in January. Alternatively, the arrival of Araujo could lead to Kounde returning to central defense as well.
In Araujo, Barcelona has a burgeoning talent who might already be well versed in Blaugrana ways. The Mexico international was notably part of the club’s residency academy in the US before moving to the LA Galaxy in March 2019.
Araujo played 109 times for the Los Angeles team, recording two goals and 14 assists. The right-back made 35 of those appearances in the 2022 campaign, registering one goal and five assists. He also averaged 1.2 key passes, 1.3 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 2.3 clearances per game last season.