New Barcelona signing can't be registered after missing deadline by 18 seconds

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 17 Feb 2023 13:36 CST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Los Angeles Galaxy defender Julian Araujo, however he won’t be able to play for the club until next season.

Araujo was denied a move to Barca on transfer deadline day after paperwork was filed 18 seconds after the window closed due to the delay in selling Hector Bellerin, who eventually moved to Sporting Lisbon.

Barca are appealing to see if they can register Araujo this season but he will train with the ‘B’ team under Rafa Marquez in the meantime and has penned a deal until 2026.

The 21-year-old right-back has joined for a fee of around €4 million and has been capped three times by the Mexican national team despite being born in California and having played once for the United States.

Araujo began his professional career with the Galaxy and made 100 MLS appearances for them, as well as being named an a league all-star in 2021 and 2022.

Barcelona Atletic boss Marquez said: “They’ve already been watching him since before I arrived. Now this 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. He’ll be able to integrate bit by bit, and hopefully have a nice career here.”

Araujo secures his ‘dream’ move

The move fulfils the ambition of Araujo, who had previously spoken about wanting to play in Europe, telling 90min: “I definitely want to go to Europe. It’s my dream.

“I want to reach my highest potential and I feel like going to Europe is going to help me do that.

“I’m someone that wants to learn everyday, someone that takes advice from everybody, that wants to learn. I know, like I said, to reach my highest potential I need to go play in the best, the top leagues.”