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It appears the LA Galaxy will soon officially add another defender to the roster. Ives Galarcep is reporting the organization have signed Julian Araujo to a senior contract, likely a Homegrown deal. Similar to LA’s other new acquisitions, Araujo has been training with the first-team this winter.
I’m told the #LAGalaxy have signed Julian Araujo to a first-team contract. The #USMNT U-20 defender is definitely one to watch in 2019 as the Galaxy look to give their young talent more opportunities. #MLS
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) February 13, 2019
The U-20 defender recently moved to the LA Galaxy academy from Barca’s Residential Academy. (The one in Arizona, not Catalonia) An exciting prospect who can defend and play out of the back, Araujo adds to LA’s new crop of young guns including Manchester City loan signing Ariel Untuna, midfielder Efrain Alvarez. goalkeeper Abraham Romero and playmaker Jose Hernandez.
A central defender during his academy days, Araujo slid into the right back position for Rolf Feltscher in the 65th minute during last week’s TFC friendly so you would expect the 17-year old to operate as his backup. As Ives notes, the organization want to groom their young talent and the aggressive Feltscher will inevitably miss matches, paving the way for Araujo to see the pitch.
Julian Araujo (@julian__araujo)
— USMNT Videos (@USMNTvideos) September 26, 2018
Araujo recently made a move to LA Galaxy from Barca's Residential Academy. He's a CB with a very nice passing range and great defending. Here are some highlights. pic.twitter.com/MGBzC9plRH
Look for an official announcement soon.