Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to sell 22-year-old before Joan Gamper Trophy clash as Premier League club begin talks: Reports
According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to resolve Julian Araujo's future before the annual Joan Gamper Trophy exhibition match. Azulgrana are set to lock horns with AS Monaco in the quest for their 47th title on Monday, August 12.
Araujo didn't get the minutes he expected during Barca's pre-season US tour. Flick has his hands full in terms of defensive options, meaning Araujo's situation might not rapidly improve.
Premier League side Bournemouth have shown an active interest in Araujo and as per El Nacional, if circumstances don't change drastically, a €9 million deal (including add-ons) could be struck soon.
The financial revenue could help Barcelona improve their stance in the transfer market. It could also help Araujo gain substantial first-team minutes in English football, something he is lacking at the Catalan club.
Araujo's stay at Barca has been eventful. The California-born Mexican full-back joined the club in the 2023 winter transfer window. However, due to the late registration of his contract, he couldn't play for the remainder of that campaign and trained under Rafa Marquez with the club's youth side.
He spent the 2023-24 season away on loan at La Liga club UD Las Palmas, getting regular first-team football. The 22-year-old made 28 appearances for Las Palmas last term, scoring twice.
Despite getting experience at the top tier of Spanish football, Araujo has reportedly failed to convince Hansi Flick and is expected to be on his way out. Jules Kounde and Joao Cancelo (on loan) often played in the right-back position last season and Flick also has academy star Hector Fort to call up if needed.
Barcelona youngster making Hansi Flick change his transfer plan: Reports
Since Sergi Busquets' departure, Barcelona have lacked a pivoting midfielder who could replace the club legend. Martin Zubimendi's transfer never materialized and Oriol Romeu failed to replicate his Girona form.
Barca were linked with names like Joshua Kimmich and Mikel Merino to bolster the position in the summer transfer market. However, as per SPORT (via Barca Universal), Hansi Flick doesn't intend to sign a new defensive midfielder during this window.
This is because the German coach has been impressed by Marc Bernal's performances during the pre-season tour in the US. Bernal, who recently penned a new deal with Barcelona, showed his quality and even earned plaudits from Pep Guardiola.
Bernal could be a good fit in Flick's preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Alongside Ilkay Gundogan, Pedri and Gavi, the teenage academy product could become an important piece of the midfield puzzle during the 2024-25 season.