MLS ace training alone after missing out on dream Barcelona transfer by seconds

02 February 2023 , 23:07

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Julian Araujo is training alone at Los Angeles Galaxy

LA Galaxy star Julian Araujo is currently training on his own after his deadline day move to Barcelona fell through.

The 21-year-old right-back was linked with the Catalan side throughout January, and was on the brink of moving to Camp Nou in a deal worth £3.2million. However, paperwork for the transfer went through just 18 seconds after the deadline hit, and the move remains on hold.

Araujo was set to link up with Barcelona's B team and begin his development with the young side, and he's still waiting to find out if FIFA approve the move. For now he remains in Los Angeles, and is training alone.

The defender who was born in the United States but opted to play for Mexico, thought he'd landed the dream move when Barcelona came calling. But the deal is currently in limbo as FIFA investigate the incident, and decide whether his transfer can be honoured.

It was reportedly a computer error that led to the late processing of documents, meaning that technology may stop Araujo from jetting off to Spain. Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany explained the strange situation ahead of their clash with Real Betis.

"It is true that it could not be done due to a system error," Alemany said. "It was for 18 seconds, we will see what FIFA says."

There is still no update from FIFA as they continue to investigate, but with the MLS season beginning on February 25, Galaxy may be hoping that he stays put. And Alemany's comments suggest that he's not too confident they will land the star this window.

"No one came in because we think we are fine with the squad we have, even if it's true that three players left and no one came in," Alemany added. "We prioritised registering players like Gavi."

Mexican journalist Kery Ruiz provided more information on the failed transfer, as he said: "Right now, Julian Araujo is a player for the LA Galaxy. They took a long time to start the paperwork.

"They wanted to sell Bellerin first. They entered documents and allege that the system did not let them upload files. That's why he's a few seconds late."

It's likely that Barcelona will return in the summer should FIFA stand firm on their deadline ruling, meaning Araujo will have to wait. He's been an important player for Galaxy, and if they can squeeze even half of a season out of him, they'll be happy.

Joseph McBride