Barcelona defender Julian Araujo has not played a single competitive game for the club since joining in the January transfer window. But it appears that he will have to wait until next season to make his official debut for the Catalans as he is nearing a loan exit.
Indeed, as per Mundo Deportivo, Araujo will be plying his trade at newly-promoted La Liga club UD Las Palmas next season, with an agreement between them and Barcelona already in place.
In fact, the report even goes on to add that the 21-year-old right-back has already been speaking to Las Palmas manager Garcia Pimienta and their director Luis Helguera over videoconferences so that he can learn his role at the club and what is expected of him.
Araujo signed for Barça from LA Galaxy late in January, in a deal worth €4 million. However, his transfer was not authorised by FIFA as the club failed to file the necessary paperwork within deadline.
The Mexican international spend the last six months training with Barça Atletic and the first team, but has been unable to convince Xavi and the rest of the coaching staff completely.
Given his lack of experience in Europe, a loan exit was always on the cards for Araujo. And even though reports suggested that a move to FC Porto might be close, the 21-year-old seems to be on his way to Las Palmas.
After representing Mexico at the Gold Cup earlier this month, Araujo has not joined the rest of the Barcelona squad for pre-season in the USA.
And soon, he will be on his way to Las Palmas, where the plan is for him to gain experience in La Liga under a coach like Pimienta who knows the Barcelona style.
