Barcelona defender set to join newly-promoted La Liga club on loan

While the future of Ousmane Dembele continues to dominate the headlines in the Barcelona sphere, the Blaugrana are closing in on finalising another departure with Julian Araujo nearing an exit.

Indeed, as per Fabrizio Romano, the 21-year-old right-back is set to join newly-promoted La Liga club Las Palmas on a season-long loan deal, with a move imminent.

Araujo signed for Barcelona in January earlier this year but has not played a single competitive game as his transfer was not authorised by FIFA due to a slight delay from the club in filing the required paperwork.

As such, the Mexican international spent the last six months with no club football, training with the first team and the Barça Atletic squad. His only appearance as a Blaugrana came in the post-season friendly against Vissel Kobe.

Barça wish for Araujo to gain experience on loan

Given that the 21-year-old has no experience of football in Europe, it was important for Barcelona that he leaves on loan to a team where he can get regular minutes.

Las Palmas, who won promotion back to La Liga this season, have been chasing his signing since June as per Romano, and have now been successful in convincing him to make the move.

Playing for a manager like Garcia Pimienta, who is well-versed with Barcelona’s style of play, could benefit Araujo as well as the club in the long run.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta had confirmed last week that the 21-year-old Mexican international would leave on loan and an exit now appears close.

Other clubs such as CA Osasuna, Feyenoord, and FC Porto had shown an interest in his services, but Pimienta appears to have convinced the young right-back to join Las Palmas.

Araujo would follow Pablo Torre, who also left the club on loan by joining Girona. Meanwhile, the likes of Alex Collado, Nico Gonzalez, and Chadi Riad have also departed, while Estanis Pedrola could also be on his way out soon.