It has been close to six months since Julian Araujo joined FC Barcelona, but the Mexican right-back is yet to make his official debut for the club.
The United States-born defender signed for the Blaugrana from LA Galaxy late in the January transfer window. However, the move was not authorised by FIFA as the club allegedly missed the deadline to file the requisite paperwork.
As such, Araujo spent the second half of the season training with the first team and Barça Atletic without getting any minutes on the pitch. And given his lack of experience in Europe and the club’s pursuit of a new right-back, a loan exit is on the cards for the Mexican.
And, according to reports relayed by SPORT, newly-promoted La Liga club Las Palmas could end up being the right-back’s destination for the next season.
Indeed, negotiations between Barcelona and Las Palmas are said to be advancing over a loan deal for the 21-year-old Araujo and if things continue to progress in this direction, the youngster could be playing his trade for Garcia Pimienta’s team in the upcoming campaign.
Manager Xavi Hernandez has been looking at Araujo over the past months and in the current pre-season. But the idea has always been for the Mexican international to be sent out on loan as he has zero experience in European football.
The Blaugrana had been open to loan offers for the youngster, who is seen as an option for the future. Dutch champions Feyenoord were interested, but it is Las Palmas who appear likely to sign him up for the upcoming season.
If things move quickly, there is a possibility that Araujo will not join the rest of the Barcelona squad on the pre-season tour to the United States of America later this month.
