Barcelona’s 22-year-old youngster in line for a first-team spot next season – report

Julian Araujo appears to be a man on a mission. Formerly of LA Galaxy, the young defender was one of many players who had to settle for a loan move away from Barcelona last summer.

Araujo joined Las Palmas to gain some experience in European football, but most importantly, to prove himself to Barcelona.

As we approach the final phase of the campaign, Araujo has done exactly that. The young right-back has excelled at the Canary Islands outfit, becoming an ever-present figure in Las Palmas’ defensive line.

With 22 league appearances, Araujo has impressed particularly due to his athleticism and ability to provide defensive solidity out wide.

Barcelona monitoring Araujo closely

According to Alex Pintanel, Barcelona are closely tracking the performances of Julian Araujo this season.

Man on a mission. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona’s chief coordinator, Bojan Krkic, has seen Araujo in action multiple this season. The Blaugrana, in fact, believe that the Mexican international can become a part of the squad next season if he continues his current development.

The club’s economic woes, coupled with uncertainty over the future of some of the star players in the team, including Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo, may work in Araujo’s favour.

Cancelo wants to stay in Catalonia, but Barcelona may have a hard time finding an agreement with Man City. As for Kounde, he could be on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Julian Araujo, therefore, has a significant chance of carving out a place for him in the senior team next season. He is, in fact, not the only loanee Barça are keeping tabs on right now.

The club are also impressed by the performances of Alex Valle, who is currently on loan at Levante. As per the report, Barcelona’s ultimate goal is to go into pre-season with both Valle and Araujo as part of the setup.