Barcelona loanee full-back likely to stay at club, 20-year-old starlet’s future uncertain

Based on Sergi Capdevila’s report in SPORT, it looks like Julian Araujo has a good chance of staying with Barcelona next season as the club’s management is very pleased with how he progressed while on loan at Las Palmas during the 2023/24 season.

In contrast, Alex Valle’s future at Barcelona is more uncertain. Although he is expected to participate in the pre-season, it is unclear if he will remain with the team afterwards.

Regarding the squad, the list of central defenders is considered complete, and the midfield and attack positions are mostly settled. 

There are only a few changes expected in these areas, with a defensive midfielder and a winger being the main priorities. 

However, there are still questions about the full-back positions as Barcelona currently lack depth in the area. 

With Joao Cancelo’s future undecided, Hector Fort and Alejandro Balde are the only natural full-backs in the team. Including Jules Kounde, who can also play as a full-back, the total number of full-backs comes to three.

Julian Araujo is trusted by Barcelona

If Cancelo does not stay, it will be a significant problem for the team, and this is where Araujo’s potential return becomes important.

At the moment, Barcelona are struggling with financial regulations that prevent them from making new signings easily. 

However, Araujo’s strong performance at Las Palmas and the club’s financial situation have increased his chances of staying. 

After finishing his loan, Araujo has continued to train hard at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva and is eager to impress coach Hansi Flick at the start of the pre-season.

Alex Valle’s future will be decided after pre-season. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

Interestingly, Araujo and Flick have already met during the latter’s visit to Barcelona’s facilities, and they had a chance to talk. 

A lot depends on Cancelo

While Cancelo’s future remains uncertain, the plan is to try and extend his loan rather than making a permanent transfer. 

Meanwhile, Valle, who spent the season on loan at Levante, is expected to take part in the pre-season, but it is not clear if he will continue with the team. 

He currently has a contract with the reserve team, but if he stays, he should be promoted to the first team.

The decision about his future will be made after evaluating his performance following his loan spell at Levante.