Barcelona planning summer move for promising youngster

Barcelona are not flushed with options at right back. In Xavi Hernandez’s first team squad, there are currently no naturals in the position, which has meant that Jules Kounde has operated there for much of the season.

However, there was hope that Julian Araujo could look to establish himself in the role over the next couple of seasons, with a view to becoming first-choice right back for many years to come.

While that could still be the case, it appears that he may not be at Barcelona next season, with Sport reporting that club officials have made the decision to look for a loan move for Araujo.

The news comes amid reports that Araujo has struggled in training since joining the club in early February, which has largely been put down to his lack of match sharpness. Due to late paperwork, the Mexican youngster was not registered in time for the second half of the season, but Barcelona chose to bring him over from LA Galaxy anyway.

It has been a difficult start to life at Barcelona for Araujo, but a loan move next season could do him the work of good, as he looks to properly acclimatise to European football.