‘He could stay’ – Barcelona star still ‘fighting’ for a place in Hansi Flick’s squad

A member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona remains in with a shot at securing a place in the club’s first-team setup for the season ahead.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Julián Araujo as the player in question.

Defender Araujo, for his part, linked up with Barcelona last summer, before being immediately farmed out to Las Palmas for the duration of the campaign.

As much came with a view to the Mexican international building his experience of Spanish football, after spending the early years of his fledgling career in MLS, with the LA Galaxy.

And, all told, Araujo’s stint in Gran Canaria proved itself to be a productive one.

Despite injury and suspension problems, the 22-year-old established himself as an important member of the Las Palmas backline, on his way to 25 La Liga appearances under the watch of García Pimienta.

Just back from his most recent fitness concern, what, then, is Araujo’s status at Barcelona for the season ahead?

As per the aforementioned MD:

‘The doubt over Cancelo’s continuity keeps him fighting for a place, even if it’s as a substitute. The club believes that, if things go well for him, Araujo could stay.’

The right-back’s form in training over the coming weeks is likely to prove decisive when it comes to his prospects in Catalunya’s capital for next season.

Conor Laird | GSFN