Barcelona youngster opens up on loan exit: “Xavi said this was the best option for me”

Speaking at a media appearance, Barcelona youngster Julian Araujo has opened up on his decision to join UD Las Palmas on a season-long loan deal.

The 21-year-old starlet had signed for Barça during the winter transfer window earlier this year, but never played a single competitive game for the club.

And with his chances of featuring regularly in the upcoming campaign also appearing highly unlikely, a loan exit was thought to be the best bet for the youngster.

As such, Araujo opted to sign for newly-promoted La Liga club UD Las Palmas, with the official announcement of the deal coming on Tuesday.

Araujo chose Las Palmas on Xavi’s advice

Now, the 21-year-old Mexican international has revealed that he chose to sign for Las Palmas based on the advice from manager Xavi Hernandez.

As quoted by AS Araujo said: “I know that the model of play is similar to that of Barça. I spoke to Xavi and he said that this was the best option.

“He told me that the coach [García Pimienta] likes to play, he likes to have the ball, he likes to play with the full-backs and I was convinced that this was the place.”

The right-back also went on to reveal that he had conversations with Pedri, a former Las Palmas academy product, about the club before agreeing to the move.

“He told me that the island is spectacular. The manager, the model of play, Las Palmas, everything. […] After that talk, I was focused on getting here. I was very convinced to be here that this was my place to grow,” Araujo added.

Having had no experience in European football, the youngster will be hoping to get regular minutes under Garcia Pimienta at Las Palmas and return to Barcelona a much-improved player.