D.C. United has made a bold move, bringing Fidel Barajas back to the MLS. The 18-year-old, who had a brief stint with Real Salt Lake, now returns with the challenge of proving he’s got what it takes to shine in the United States.
Barajas’s story is full of ups and downs. He first caught eyes while coming up through the San Jose Earthquakes’ academy, but it was his breakout season with Charleston Battery in the USL Championship that really put him on the map. That standout performance earned him a contract with Real Salt Lake, where he made 17 appearances and registered two assists. Nothing flashy, but enough to convince Chivas Guadalajara to drop $4 million on the kid. Then came the reality check.
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Life in Mexico wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. With just seven appearances for the Rebaño Sagrado, he struggled to make an impact. For a player who once seemed like a can’t-miss talent, his time with Chivas was, to put it mildly, disappointing. Now, on loan to D.C. United through June 2025, with an option to extend through December, Barajas has a second shot to prove himself in MLS.
There’s no denying the kid’s got talent. After all, you don’t just land a spot on the Mexican U-17 national team by accident. He stood out in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the Concacaf U-17 Championship. But just being a star in the youth ranks doesn’t automatically mean success in the pro world.
The big question now is whether D.C. United has signed a raw diamond, or if they’re just bringing in another player who was hyped up too soon. At 18, Barajas still has time to develop, but let’s be real: MLS isn’t exactly known for its patience with young, developing players. It’s sink or swim. Either you make an impact, or you fade into the background.
Barajas joins a D.C. United squad that’s in the middle of an attacking overhaul. Along with him, the club brought in João Peglow and Randall Leal. The goal is clear: build a more dynamic, technically skilled attacking unit. But here’s the thing, Barajas has never really been a game-changer. In his time at Real Salt Lake, he didn’t score a single goal. At Chivas, he barely got a look-in and couldn’t secure a spot. So, why should D.C. United believe he’ll be the difference-maker now?
D.C. United kicked off the season with a 2-2 draw against Toronto FC. It wasn’t a bad result, but it didn’t exactly leave fans buzzing with excitement. Now, on March 1st, the team faces off against Chicago Fire on the road.