Barcelona seriously considering counting on 22-year-old on-loan defender for next season
Barcelona went looking for a right-back in the 2023 summer transfer market, with no real options available in the squad. Jules Kounde was not happy with his role in that position, and Sergi Roberto was evidently past his best, too.
This forced Barcelona’s hand, who signed Joao Cancelo on loan from Manchester City. The Portuguese has been superb since signing, with six goal contributions across La Liga and the Champions League in 26 appearances, playing as a right and left-back, both.
However, despite his brilliant performances, Barcelona have not forgotten about one of their very own in Julian Araujo.
The Catalans signed Araujo in the summer of 2023 as well, investing €4 million in his signing to lure him away from LA Galaxy in the MLS.
It was widely considered a solid bit of business, but the player was eventually loaned to Las Palmas for the season after being deemed not ready enough to compete at Barcelona.
He has since proven everyone wrong, and is enjoying a stellar season under Garcia Pimienta in La Liga. Araujo has 17 starts to his name this season, and is one of the more consistent performers in his position, too.
Barcelona seem very happy with Araujo’s performances, and according to Luis Rojo, are seriously considering counting on him for next season.
This will likely not change their position about Cancelo, though. Manchester City do not particularly want to retain his services in the team, and happy to ship him off permanently if an adequate offer comes in.
The reported asking price is set at around €20-30 million, which Barcelona should be able to pay after hopefully offloading some of the other players in their squad.
And as far as Araujo is concerned, the Mexican has developed into a solid defender at Las Palmas, and would, ideally complement Cancelo’s profile very well in the team.
He would also add some much-needed quantitative depth, with Xavi having to rely on 17-year-old Hector Fort consistently this season.
