BARCELONA reportedly face missing out on a transfer for a Major League Soccer prodigy after submitting the paperwork for the transfer 18 SECONDS late.
LA Galaxy defender Julian Araujo, 21, was set to join Barcelona Atletic – the club’s B team – on deadline day in a £3.2million ($4m) transfer.
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However, a computer error meant the necessary paperwork to complete the deal was not submitted until 18 seconds after the deadline had passed.
Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany explained the situation ahead of the team’s clash with Real Betis.
He said: “It is true that it could not be done due to a system error. It was for 18 seconds, we will see what FIFA says.”
Mexican journalist Kery Ruiz added context to the situation on Twitter: “Right now, Julian Araujo is a player for the LA Galaxy. They took a long time yesterday to start the paperwork.
“They wanted to sell Bellerín first. They entered documents and allege that the system did not let them upload files.
“That’s why he’s a few seconds late. This is explained to Fifa today.”
He later added that while the club are hopeful of a deal going through, the club’s board expect to be left disappointed due to exceptions rarely being made.
Araujo, is an American-born Mexican international who plays at right-back for Galaxy.
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He made 33 MLS appearances last season, registering five assists as their season ended in the quarter-final play-offs against eventual winners LAFC.
Gareth Bale, who recently retired, scored in the play-off final and the shootout to help the club win the trophy, though he did not feature in the clash against Galaxy due to a leg injury.
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