Julian Araujo is the latest Barcelona player close to leaving Spotify Camp Nou following a near-anonymous spell in Catalunya.
According to Sport, the reigning La Liga champions are negotiating the Mexican’s loan move to newly-promoted Las Palmas.
It’s been almost six months since the 21-year-old swapped LA Galaxy for the Blaugrana, and he has yet to make his official debut under Xavi Hernandez.
Barcelona identified Araujo as a potential long-term solution for the right-back position, but the defender has failed to settle in the new surroundings.
While the Spaniards have no interest in letting the starlet leave permanently, they’re hoping to facilitate his acclimatisation to European football by sending him out on loan.
Xavi has omitted Araujo from his pre-season squad as talks with Las Palmas seem to be gathering momentum after Feyenoord’s ambition to take the player to the Eredivisie faded.
Since the Mexico international’s loan departure looks like a done deal, Sergino Dest could see his first-teem prospects take an upwards curve following a nightmarish loan spell at AC Milan.
Dest couldn’t catch a break at San Siro last season, but Barcelona will give him the benefit of the doubt, with Xavi aiming to test him in pre-season fixtures.
However, if he fails to live up to expectations, the Blaugrana may have to return to the market to find a reliable alternative to regular starter Jules Kounde.
Although the Frenchman enjoyed a fantastic maiden season at Camp Nou after joining forces with Xavi’s team last summer, he is not a natural right-back.
Kounde left Sevilla as one of the most appreciated centre-backs in Europe but had to adapt to a new role at Barcelona.
Sergi Roberto provided cover for the 24-year-old last season, but as he’s not an out-and-out right-back either, the Catalans may need to step up their effort in finding a new Dani Alves.
