Barcelona director Mateu Alemany has claimed that the documentation for LA Galaxy’s Julian Araujo proposed transfer arrived 18 seconds late due to a computer error.
The Catalan giants were looking to add Araujo and Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to their squad before the January transfer window closed.
Barcelona tried unsuccessfully to sign Amrabat to a loan agreement after Fiorentina turned down their request.
While they were unable to sign Amrabat, they seemed confident in completing the signing of Los Angeles Galaxy right-back Araujo.
Although initial reports indicated that Barcelona was interested in signing Araujo on a loan basis, it was later revealed that they had reached an agreement on a £3.5m transfer.
However, Barcelona are waiting to see if the deal can be completed after the necessary paperwork arrived less than a minute after the transfer window closed.
The club’s director has now confirmed more details about the situation, revealing that the delay was caused by a computer error.
“We didn’t arrive on time due to a computer error,” Alemany told Movistar. “The delay was 18 seconds. We’ll have to wait and see what FIFA decide”.
Barcelona are now awaiting FIFA’s decision on whether they can sign the Mexico international.
Barça director Alemany confirms the situation for Julián Araujo deal: “We didn’t arrive on time due to a computer error — the delay was 18 seconds”. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
“We’ll have to wait and see what FIFA decide”. pic.twitter.com/LX25pg0ADr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 1, 2023
If FIFA approves, Araujo will join the Barcelona ‘B’ team and sign a contract until June 2026.
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Araujo would still be eligible to play for the first team, which have used a variety of players on the right side of defence.
Xavi has used Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Sergi Roberto, and Alejandro Balde in the right back position this season.
Kounde, Araujo, and Balde all played in Barcelona’s 2-1 away win over Real Betis on Wednesday, putting them eight points ahead of Real Madrid, who play Valencia on Thursday.
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