Bournemouth have completed the permanent signing of defender Julian Araujo from Barcelona.
Araujo spent time in Barcelona's USA academy before going on to make 109 appearances during his time with MLS side LA Galaxy.
After earning a move to Barcelona in the summer of 2023, Araujo went on to complete a season-long loan move to fellow La Liga side Las Palmas.
Araujo chipped in with two goals in 28 matches for Las Palmas, before returning to his parent club at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
The defender was part of Hansi Flick's side for the recent pre-season tour of the USA, but Barcelona have ultimately decided to part ways with the full-back ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
Welcome to #afcb, Julián 🤝
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) August 13, 2024
He signs a five-year deal with us from Barcelona✍️
Araujo completes Bournemouth switch
Barcelona have confirmed that Araujo has completed a €10m (£8.5m) transfer to Bournemouth, and he departs without making a first-team appearance for the Catalan giants.
The right-back has put to paper on a five-year contract, keeping him at the Vitality Stadium until the summer of 2028.
Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told the club's official website: "Julian is someone who we have tracked for a while now and we're delighted to bring him to AFC Bournemouth.
"He's a young player with high potential and we're pleased to have beaten lots of competition for his signature. We believe that we have all the tools here for Julian to build on the quality he already has, and we really look forward to welcoming him to Vitality Stadium."
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Araujo adds to Bournemouth's full-back options
Araujo joins Luis Sinisterra, Enes Unal, Dean Huijsen, Alex Paulsen and Daniel Jebbison in completing permanent moves to the South-coast side this summer.
The Mexico international is now set to compete for the right-back spot with Adam Smith and Max Aarons in Andoni Iraola's side.
Having completed Araujo's signing, Bournemouth are now set to turn their focus to find Dominic Solanke's replacement following the striker's recent move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Cherries are currently preparing for Saturday's Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
