Barcelona genuinely considering 21-year-old youth defender for right-back position | OneFootball

Jules Kounde did a neat job of covering at right-back for Barcelona in a season where the club appeared to have no real options for the defensive role. However, the Frenchman understandably does not want it to become his primary role going forward.

After winning La Liga in his first season at the club, Xavi Hernandez’s primary focus next season will be on the UEFA Champions League. In order to compete at the European level, however, the Catalans first need an able player at right-back.

According to reports from Javi Miguel, Julian Araujo is being seriously considered to be one of the options to cover the RB position next season. After all, that was Barcelona’s motive behind signing him midseason.

The 21-year-old made the move to Barcelona from LA Galaxy earlier this year in a deal worth €4 million. He does not have any experience in Europe, however, having spent the four professional years of his career in the MLS.

Araujo is currently registered with Barca Atletic and spent the first six months of his time in Catalonia with the subordinate team. He has struggled to adapt to the Blaugranas‘ style of play, although it is said that he is improving on that front.

Xavi Hernandez does not want to rush to any decisions over the defender’s future and hopes to count on Araujo next season. After all, he does not see the right-back position to be a priority operation for the summer transfer window.

The former MLS star is thus expected to travel with Barcelona to the United States in July. Returning back to the country where he spent so many years of his career, he will be determined to make a mark on his debut under Xavi. After all, the club will only take a decision over his future after preseason.