LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo sees Barcelona deadline-day transfer collapse
Transfer deadline day seemed to serve up at least one major outgoing transfer in MLS, as LA Galaxy and Barcelona agreed to a permanent deal worth a reported $4 million for right back Julián Araujo.
The deal fell through, with FIFA confirming on Friday that the transfer couldn't be completed.
"FIFA can confirm that the transfer of the player Julián Araujo from LA Galaxy to FC Barcelona was not completed in line with the applicable regulations," a FIFA spokesperson said in a statement provided to Pro Soccer Wire.
According to Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany, the collapse came down to the wire.
"We couldn't register due to a system error, it was just 18 seconds," Alemany told the media on Wednesday of missing the deadline while the club awaited FIFA's decision on if the transfer was approved.
Alemany added that Araujo would have initially joined Barcelona's B squad.
The 21-year-old has been a regular for the Galaxy since 2019, marking himself as one of the top young fullbacks in MLS while generating a tug-of-war over his international status.
After making one appearance for the U.S. men's national team in 2020, the following year Araujo filed a one-time switch and opted to play for Mexico. He's been capped three times by El Tri, though he missed out on their 2022 World Cup roster.
Araujo completed his fourth season with the Galaxy in 2022 and tallied a career-best nine assists.