LA Galaxy closing in on Araujo replacement following delayed Barcelona transfer

22 February 2023 , 18:51

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Lucas Calegari is in talks to join LA Galaxy before the 2023 MLS season

Julian Araujo may be gone, but LA Galaxy are closing in on the signing of Lucas Calegari as his replacement.

LA Galaxy are reportedly finalising their deal with Brazilian side Fluminense, according to MLS insider Tom Bogert, with the fee set to be around £1.7million ($2m) after an initial loan deal. The 20-year-old has spent his entire career at Fluminense, but has been identified as Araujo's replacement.

Araujo signed for Barcelona in a deal worth £3.3m ($4m), but LA Galaxy hesitated when looking for a replacement as the transfer was initially completed 18 seconds after the European deadline. However, after an official appeal was lodged by Barcelona, the deal then became finalised, but LA Galaxy worked quickly to bring in a new right-back.

Calegari has played 60 games for Fluminense after making his debut in 2020, and the 20-year-old is thought of highly back in his native Brazil. But he will be making the journey north and heading for Los Angeles, as he looks to establish himself away from his birth country.

Losing Araujo was a blow, but Galaxy fans will be hoping that Calegari can step into his shows - although he may have to wait to make his debut. Galaxy kick off their season against rivals Los Angeles FC this weekend, a game that's expected to come too soon for Calegari as he's yet to complete a medical.

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Araujo made 102 appearances in MLS for the Galaxy, and the 21-year-old caught Barcelona's attention due to his consistent level of performance. He will have to bide his time before mixing with the first team though, as he's set to join their reserve side for the season ahead.

Araujo left for Barcelona in a deal worth $4million (Getty Images)

But he will be in great hands, as their reserve team manager is the legendary Rafa Marquez, who is also from Mexico like Araujo, and he's already excited to see what his compatriot will bring. "I’m delighted that he's coming," Marquez told Relevo.

"They've already been watching him since before I arrived. Now the situation has arisen and I'm delighted. He's going to be with me for a while and then move on to the first team. Let him do a bit of adjusting and I hope he has a nice career here."

Calegari won't be the only Brazilian at Galaxy either, as former Bayern Munich star Douglas Costa will likely take him under his wing. Costa is still awaiting a breakthrough at the Galaxy, scoring just twice in 14 games last season.

Joseph McBride