LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo reacts after scoring a goal against Nashville SC during the second half of an MLS playoff soccer match, in Carson, California, on Oct 15, 2022. FC Barcelona on Feb 18, 2023 announced the signing of the Mexican defender. (PHOTO / AP)

MADRID – FC Barcelona on Friday announced the signing of Mexican defender Julian Araujo.
The 20-year-old from LA Galaxy secured a contract lasting three and a half years until the end of June 2026. He will initially train with the Barcelona B-team (Barca Atletic) coached by Rafael Marquez.

Julian Araujo will initially train with the Barcelona B-team (Barca Atletic) coached by Rafael Marquez

For the moment, Araujo, who made 98 appearances for LA Galaxy, can only train given that Barca did not complete the player's inscription before the January transfer window closed.

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Barcelona failed by just 18 seconds to provide the paperwork to close the deal in January and have appealed to the Court for Arbitration in Sport in an attempt to have the defender available this season.