If a recent report from The Scottish Sun is believed to be true, Celtic are keen on bolstering the backline and have identified Julian Araujo as a winter target. The Bournemouth right-back is surplus to requirements under Andoni Iraola, and his lack of gametime could prompt the Cherries to sanction a January loan for the remainder of the season.
Born in the USA, the 24-year-old Mexico international spent his youth years with the Central Coast Condors, Santa Barbara Soccer Club, Lompoc High School, and Barça Residency Academy before being snapped up by LA Galaxy. After 109 first-team outings for Los Galácticos, Araujo completed a high-profile €5m transfer to Barcelona in February 2023 [stats via Transfermarket].
Why Bournemouth Should Not Stand In The Way of Araujo
The Catalans loaned him out to UD Las Palmas for the 2023-24 campaign. His impressive La Liga stint led to a €10m transfer to the Premier League when Bournemouth came calling in the summer of 2024.
A long injury layoff restricted him to 13 appearances last season; however, the fullback has found himself further down the pecking order behind the veteran Adam Smith and the summer recruit Alex Jimenez. With just one League Cup appearance so far this term, Araujo should look for a fresh challenge in the World Cup year.
Why Celtic Should Snap Him Up
Wilfried Nancy is turning things around after a frantic start to life as the Celtic boss. But the Frenchman must be backed in the transfer window amid injuries to several first-team stars. He has been forced to play two fullbacks in his ‘back three’ setup; Also, the wingers have featured as makeshift wingbacks in recent fixtures.
Celtic have Alistair Johnston, Anthony Ralston and the emerging Colby Donovan, capable of featuring from the right, in Nancy’s 3-4-2-1 formation. But the gaffer has relied on Ralston as a right centre-back, with Johnston yet to recover from a long-term injury woe. This leaves them with rookie Donovan, who must not be rushed into action twice a week at the age of 19.
Nancy was in charge of CF Montreal and later the Columbus Crew when Araujo made strides in the MLS. The manager is aware of the Mexican’s strength and quality down the wide, and therefore, should bring the defender to Parkhead as the Hoops aim for the Premiership glory, overcoming the nightmare start he endured.
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