FC Barcelona have their pre-season camp underway, which will determine a number of key aspects for the season to come. With the right-back position one of the problematic areas for Xavi, the role of Julian Araujo in the pre-season would be of particular interest to the club.
FC Barcelona signed the 21-year-old Mexican in the last winter transfer window. However, Araujo was not registered in time, which kept him from making any competitive appearances for Barcelona.
He is expected to get registered with the club this summer and, according to Mundo Deportivo, will become a part of the pre-season camp when he is free from his duties with the Mexican national team playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The Mexican youngster has his future highly uncertain at the moment. He will be at Xavi’s disposal this summer. However, the club believes that the youngster is still not ready for a role in a team as competitive as FC Barcelona and needs more training and maturation before he can become a part of the squad.
As a result, the club is contemplating a loan for him for this season. Araujo came through the ranks of FC Barcelona academy in America and has only played in USA till now and has no experience of playing in Europe.
Thus, a loan stint in a European club would allow him to adapt to the game in this continent and continue to grow as a player. Eredivisie side Feyenoord has shown interest in the player, and can be a good option for him to further grow and develop his game.
Still, Araujo will have the opportunity to stay at Barcelona during this pre-season and If he can convince Xavi with his performances, he might become a part of his plans for the next season, especially as the current squad lacks a natural right-back.
Furthermore, his coming to the pre-season from a competitive outing like the Gold Cup will also help him impress the coach while he is still in good physical form.
Thus, the pre-season will determine the course of Araujo’s future with the club. The team needs a right-back, and he fits the bill in this regard, but his lack of experience in Europe and the half-year break can result in him going out on loan this summer.
