Bournemouth has secured Mexico defender Julian Araujo from Barcelona in a transfer deal worth a reported £8.5 million ($10.9 million), announced on Tuesday.
Araujo, who has signed a five-year contract with the Premier League club, leaves Barcelona after a one-year stint. The 23-year-old right-back, originally from California, began his professional career with LA Galaxy before joining Barcelona in 2023.
Despite never making a competitive appearance for Barcelona, Araujo spent last season on loan at Las Palmas. He becomes Bournemouth’s fifth signing since the end of the last season.
“Julian is someone we have tracked for a while now, and we’re delighted to bring him to AFC Bournemouth,” said chief executive Neill Blake. “He’s a young player with high potential, and we’re pleased to have overcome significant competition to secure his signature.”
Araujo previously represented the United States at youth level and earned one senior cap before switching allegiance to Mexico in 2021.
Blake added, “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.”
Bournemouth begins their Premier League season with an away match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
