Then last week a damning report came out that the Mexican defender was having issues adapting to the Barcelona philosophy and had issues with his tactical awareness.

Now in a press conference Barcelona boss Xavi has come out and poured cold water on those reports, praising the Mexican star, and having him in his plans for next season.

Xavi on Julián Araujo

Xavi stated, “Julián Araujo is adapting very well. From next year, he can help us out a lot. I’m sure he’s going to be a good option for us… He is strong, powerful, positive, and has a very good shot from distance.”

The rise of Julián Araujo came in Major League Soccer from 2019-2022 the young star played in over 100 games for the ailing L.A. squad and after playing most of his youth career with the USMNT, Julián Araujo eventually decided to join El Tri and has been capped 5 times since making his one-time switch.

At Barcelona B, Araújo is being molded into the Barcelona way of playing and the Barcelona system. Julian Araújo made 100 MLS appearances for the Galaxy and has 5 caps for the Mexican national team.

Considering Araújo is only now just getting settled at the club it was shocking to see reported that the Mexican national team star was not having a good run at the training ground.

Julian Araújo being criticized by FC Barcelona press

According to Sport reporter German Bona, Araújo has not lived up to his billing. Bona stated, Araújo is having difficulties in understanding positional play. Araújo is also sidelined until the summer from playing given Barcelona having issues registering the player.

Other reports indicate that Araújo will have to work hard for playing time as USMNT back Sergiño Dest is slated to return to the club, but it is likely the American will be sold to one of his many suitors after failing to make an impact at AC Milan.

Araújo is reported to be very happy in Spain and satisfied with his career taking a massive step forward despite not being able to play.

The transfer fee for Araujo was €4 million, which the current Spanish La Liga table leadersagreed to pay the Dignity Health Sports Park outfit. As far as can be told, the 21-year-old even committed to the Catalan giants until the summer of 2026.

Barca had beenjust 18 seconds late in submitting the required documentation, but it was enough to prevent the move from being finalized and put the deal on hold. The two teamseventually opted to appeal to FIFA in the hopes that the international governing body would approve theacquisition.

What did FIFA decide regardingJulian Araujo’s deal with Barcelona?

FIFA ruled that Los Angeles Galaxy and Barcelona could not finalize the transfer of Julian Araujo because the paperwork for the transaction was submitted too late. The international football association dismissed the appeals submitted by both clubs.

“FIFA can confirm that the transfer of the player Julian Araujo from LA Galaxy to FC Barcelona was not completed in line with the applicable regulations”, arepresentative of the governing body confirmed to ESPN on Friday. Just a day earlier, the January transfer window closedfor the vast majority of European leagues, meaning that Xavi Hernandez’s side cannot make any further signings.

Unfortunately for the Catalan officials, FIFA did not grant them the exemption they had hoped for and they were unable to register the Mexican as a new addition. Therefore, the 21-year-old defender who recently switched his alliances from the USMNTmust stay in Los Angelesat least until the summer.

Araujo who made his professional debut in 2019 has played 46 matches for the top team in MLS history. Araujo has also earned one USMNT cap, although he will not be present in the squad that will partake in the Concacaf Gold Cup and could still choose to represent Mexico at the international level.

According to reports from ESPN Deportes the three clubs in question are: French and Portuguese champions Lille and Sporting CP and German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt. Here are the young players’ chances of making it to all three teams.

Lille

Home to USMNT player Tim Weah, Lille has a very decent side and Araujo could fit in well with the young and dynamic team. French soccer is a breeding ground for top talent, at 19, it could be a wise pit stop before moving on to bigger things.

Sporting CP

Araujo caught the eye of Sporting scouts after they began reviewing footage of another U.S. target, Reggie Cannon. Araujo looks to be a name on a list of players that could come to Sporting CP. Still, he would most likely not start right away, nonetheless Portugal is a good place to kick off a European career.

Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt recently signedRafael Santos Borré of Colombia on a free, that extra cash could be used on Araujo. Eintracht Frankfurt is a team where Araujo will fight for minutes, and everything really depends on how much the club wants him.