It seems that the saga of the transfer of Julián Araujo to Barcelona is finally over. A hiccup in the contract and fees delayed moving in from January until now. Araujo will join Barca on a permanent deal worth around $4 million and will remain under contract until 2026.
The two teams previously had a plan set on January transfer window deadline day. However, the paperwork for the deal was apparently filed 18 seconds late. Despite both clubs protesting the refusal to confirm the transfer, FIFA upheld the original decision.
Barça is quite desperate to add another right-back to the squad. After allowing Héctor Bellerín to join Sporting, the club currently only has Sergi Roberto in the position. Roberto, however, has only made five La Liga starts in charge this season. Instead, head coach Xavi recently opted to pick typical central defender Jules Kounde for the right-back position.
The defender still cannot play LaLiga matches with Barça
However, there is one rather important caveat for Araujo to join Barca. The 21-year-old defender will not be able to play for the Barca senior team for the remainder of the season. Instead, Araujo will be forced to play in the club’s B team.
There is, however, an interesting Mexican link with the Barça secondary. Former Mexico legend Rafa Márquez currently coaches the team that is now known as Barcelona Atlètic. Araujo, despite being born in the United States, has made three official appearances with the Mexican national team.
Mexican legend reveals deal
Márquez has also confirmed Araujo’s transfer to the Relevo sports media. “It was not my request, but I am delighted that it is coming. They have already been watching him since before I arrived,” Márquez said.
“Now the situation has been raised and I am delighted. He is going to be with me for a while and then he will move to the first team. Let him adjust a bit and I hope he has a good race here.”
Márquez joined Barcelona Atlètic in the summer of 2022 on a two-year contract. The former defender previously managed the RSD Alcalá under-15 team for the 2020/21 season.
PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
