Mexican Football Federation sporting director Gerardo Torrado visited LA Galaxy’s training on Tuesday and was seen talking to young dual U.S.-Mexico national full-back Julian Araujo, who recently left the door open to a switch from U.S. national teams to Mexico.
Araujo has recently broken into the Galaxy’s starting XI under Guillermo Barros Schelotto, featuring in 10 MLS games since signing a deal with the first team on March 1.
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ESPN Deportes’ Katia Castorena reported that Torrado exchanged numbers with the youngster.
Lampoc, Calif. native Araujo was part of the U.S. Under-20 squad that participated in the World Cup in Poland, but didn’t see the field and admitted last week that he would consider a switch to El Tri.
“My options are always open,” Araujo told The Scuffed Podcast. “It’s always about opportunities, who is going to give me better opportunities.”
“I’m not going to close the door on Mexico and I’m not going to close the door on the U.S.,” he continued. “If Mexico comes at me, giving me opportunities, I’m going to have to take it, you know.”
Araujo added that working hard to continue to establish himself in MLS is his immediate concern, but that he’ll keep his options open as to which national team presents the best opportunity.
“I haven’t heard anything from [U.S. head coach Gregg] Berhalter or anybody else, you know, it’s all about opportunities,” he said. “I wouldn’t give up on any of the teams because I grew up in a Mexican household, I watched Mexico throughout my life, I always watched the U.S. throughout my life and I have dual citizenship so I can play for both.”
Galaxy GM Dennis te Kloese, formerly the director of Mexican national teams, was with Torrado, who also chatted with El Tri international Uriel Antuna, according to Castorena.