‘Strange disappearance’ – Julián Araujo unlikely to play for Bournemouth again

Julián Araujo’s future at Bournemouth looks increasingly uncertain after reports from Mexico suggested he may never feature for the Cherries again. The right-back, who joined from Barcelona in the summer of 2024, has struggled to establish himself in the Premier League and is now reportedly on the fringes of Andoni Iraola’s squad.

‘Strange disappearance’ – Sources claim player unlikely to play for Bournemouth again — reflects the dramatic downturn in the Mexican’s standing. According to Marca, Araujo has been “erased” from the first-team picture despite being fully fit, with Iraola preferring teenager Álex Jiménez and even centre-back James Hill on the right side of defence.

Araujo’s only outing this season came in Bournemouth’s 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford, where he was sent off late in the game. Since then, he has not even made the squad for Premier League fixtures, raising serious doubts over his future at the Vitality Stadium.

With a contract running until 2029, the 24-year-old’s long-term prospects are unclear, but Marca claim sources close to the player believe he will not play for Bournemouth again. A January exit is now seen as a strong possibility, with Araujo desperate for regular minutes to secure his place in Mexico’s World Cup plans.

For Bournemouth, the decision suggests Iraola has little faith in Araujo’s ability to adapt to the Premier League. With the club battling for consistency, the manager has leaned on alternative options rather than reintegrating the Mexican.

For Araujo, the lack of game time is a major problem. Mexico head coach Jaime Lozano is expected to demand regular club minutes from his players in the run-up to the next World Cup. If Araujo remains sidelined, his international prospects could take a hit, further incentivising a January move.

FootballPlace analyst John William believes Araujo’s situation is a cautionary tale. “Moving from Barcelona to Bournemouth was supposed to give him Premier League exposure, but it has gone the opposite way. A red card on his only outing this season shows the fine margins of football. If sources are correct, a January exit is the best option for all parties.”

He added: “Mexico need him playing, Bournemouth don’t see him as essential, and at 24, he can’t afford to sit on the sidelines. Expect links with La Liga and MLS in the coming months.”

Bournemouth face Fulham on 3 October before a tough run of fixtures against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. With Iraola under pressure to secure points, there appears little prospect of Araujo being reintegrated.

For Araujo, the focus will turn to January. A return to Spain, a move to MLS, or even a loan within Europe could be on the table. Whatever the outcome, his “strange disappearance” from Bournemouth’s plans looks increasingly terminal.

👉 Do you think Julián Araujo should push for a January move to save his World Cup hopes?