Feb 17 (Reuters) – Barcelona have signed Mexican defender Julián Araujo who joins the Spanish club after playing with MLS side LA Galaxy on a deal until 2026, the two clubs announced on Friday.
Barcelona were unable to sign Araujo on transfer deadline day as registration of documentation was delayed by 18 seconds, but said they would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to attempt to register the player.
“The agreement with the player is for the next three and a half seasons, until June 30, 2026,” the Spanish club said in a statement.
And he added that the 21-year-old will join the club’s B team where he will be coached by Mexican Rafael Márquez.
Araujo, who joined LA Galaxy in March 2019, recorded two goals and 20 assists in 108 appearances in all competitions for the MLS club.
“The addition of Julián to FC Barcelona is a great story of a boy who excelled with the LA Galaxy first team. We wish Julián the best in the next stage of his career,” said manager Greg Vanney. technical and sporting director of Los Angeles, quoted by in a press release from the club.
Born in California, he was eligible to play for the United States and Mexico national teams. After playing for the United States youth teams, he made his only appearance for the senior team in December 2020 against El Salvador.
In 2021, he asked FIFA to approve his move to represent Mexico, making his debut later in December in a friendly where ‘Tri’ drew 2-2 against Chile.
(Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk. Editing in Spanish by Carlos Calvo Pacheco)