The transfer deadline came and went, but not before Barcelona attempted to snatchJulian Araujo from MLS clubLA Galaxyfor the purpose of strengthening their right-back position.Prior to the deadline’s closing hours, the two sides had already reached an agreement on a contract, and the player had already agreed to his own personal terms.
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.
