Barcelona’s 18-second delay in processing Julian Araujo’s transfer on deadline was finally forgiven on Wednesday when it was unofficially revealed that the right-back’s move to Catalonia had been sanctioned.
The process to authorise the Mexican International’s move took Barcelona the better half of a month and comes with its own set of consequences. Though he will make a move in the coming days, Araujo will not be able to play with the Catalan first team this season.
According to reports from RAC1 (h/t Barca Times), the defender will arrive in the city later today with an official announcement of his incorporation expected on Friday.
He will train with Barca Atletic under Rafa Marquez for the time being, and the manager even revealed his excitement over working with Araujo.
“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,” he said as revealed by GOAL.
Working under one of the greatest players of his country, the LA Galaxy star will look to up his game and prepare himself for the upcoming campaign. It is said that the player will sign a contract until 2026 with a transfer fee of €4 million involved.
At just 21 years of age, the time is right for the right-back to mould his game at the subsidiary setup. Araujo is known for his impact in the final third, especially with his tormenting crosses through which he provided five assists in 32 games in the MLS in 2022.
With no direct competition at right-back in Xavi Hernandez’s side, the player has a golden opportunity up his sleeve. One hopes that he strikes while the iron is hot and establishes himself as a Blaugrana for years to come.
