Julián Araujo Set to Become Barça’s First Signing for Next Season

The FC Barcelona management is highly pleased with Julián Araujo’s performance at UD Las Palmas and has marked him as the first signing for the upcoming season. The Mexican defender has shown significant growth under the guidance of García Pimienta, gaining valuable experience in La Liga.

With a limited budget for the summer transfer window, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is strategically focusing on two key areas: players whose contracts expire on June 30 and the potential return of loaned-out players to strengthen the squad.

Amid individual performances, the management is also considering positions that require reinforcement, particularly the right-back position. Currently, the squad only has Joao Cancelo, on loan from Manchester City, as a natural right-back, and his continuity is uncertain. Therefore, Deco is eyeing two right-backs currently on loan: Sergiño Dest and Julián Araujo.

The situation with Sergiño Dest leans towards a potential sale, as his higher salary and positive contributions to PSV Eindhoven make him an attractive prospect for the Dutch club. PSV is reportedly keen on exercising the purchase option in Dest’s loan deal, valued at ten million euros, with negotiations ongoing to reach a mutually agreeable fee.

On the other hand, plans for Julián Araujo point towards a return to FC Barcelona. Araujo, closely monitored by Barça’s coordinator of football, Bojan Krkic, during his loan spell at Las Palmas, has demonstrated significant growth and gained valuable top-flight experience. The 22-year-old Mexican defender has showcased the potential to become an integral part of Barcelona’s squad. While the opinion of the future coach will play a role, the club’s sporting direction envisions Araujo being a part of the first team for the upcoming season.