Barcelona seriously considering 21-year-old youth defender for right-back position.
Barcelona faced a defensive crisis last season, particularly at right-back, where they lacked viable options. Jules Kounde, a central defender, filled in admirably in that role, but the Frenchman does not wish to make it his primary position moving forward. As the club's primary focus for the upcoming season will be the UEFA Champions League after winning La Liga, they need a competent right-back to compete at the European level.
According to reports from Javi Miguel, Julian Araujo is being seriously considered as one of the potential options to cover the right-back position next season. This was the main reason behind Barcelona signing him midway through the previous season. Araujo, a 21-year-old talent, joined Barcelona from LA Galaxy earlier this year in a deal worth €4 million. However, he lacks experience in European football, having spent his entire professional career thus far in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Currently registered with Barcelona's B team, Barca Atletic, Araujo spent the first six months of his tenure in Catalonia playing for the subsidiary squad. Adjusting to Barcelona's style of play has proven challenging for him, although reports suggest that he is making progress in that regard. Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona's coach, is not rushing to make any decisions about Araujo's future and hopes to rely on him in the coming season. As a result, he does not consider right-back to be a top priority for the summer transfer window.
Araujo is expected to travel with the Barcelona squad to the United States in July, returning to the country where he spent a significant portion of his career. It will be a crucial opportunity for him to impress under Xavi's guidance and make his mark on his debut for the senior team. The club will assess his performances during preseason before making a final decision regarding his future.
In summary, Barcelona is actively seeking a reliable right-back option for the upcoming season, but Jules Kounde, who filled the role temporarily, prefers to play in his natural central defensive position. Julian Araujo, a recent signing from LA Galaxy, is being considered as a potential solution. Despite struggling to adapt to Barcelona's style initially, the 21-year-old has shown signs of improvement. Xavi Hernandez wants to evaluate Araujo further during preseason before making any long-term decisions. Araujo will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities during Barcelona's tour of the United States, and the club will decide on his future based on his performances and development during this period.
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