Key Points
- Julian Araujo has impressed on loan at Celtic from Bournemouth since early January.
- The Mexican international has not ruled out a permanent transfer to the Scottish club.
- A permanent deal could cost Celtic around £7-8 million, a fee the club can afford.
- Araujo’s form links to his aim for a Mexico World Cup spot this summer.
- Alistair Johnston’s return may influence Celtic’s decision on a permanent move.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) February 7, 2026 – Julian Araujo, the Mexican defender on loan at Celtic from Bournemouth, has refused to rule out a permanent move to the club after impressing fans with his performances.
Araujo joined Celtic on loan at the start of January and quickly became a favourite among supporters for his strong defending and attacking contributions from right-back. According to reporting by The Celtic Star, the 24-year-old has filled a key gap in the absence of injured Alistair Johnston.
Why Has Araujo Impressed at Celtic?
Araujo’s no-nonsense tackling style shone in Celtic’s victory over Dundee United early last month, as noted by Born Celtic. His displays have provided competition and quality at right-back, where options like Colby Donovan and Tony Ralston have been seen as less ready for title challenges.
As reported by Roy Barkhane of BRRO, Araujo is loving life in Glasgow and has not dismissed the prospect of staying long-term. The player, an international with Mexico, views his time at Celtic as vital for securing a World Cup place this summer.
What Factors Could Shape a Permanent Deal?
Reports from Yardbarker and OneFootball indicate a permanent transfer might require a fee of £7-8 million, which Celtic could cover if approved by club executives. However, Born Celtic highlights hesitation due to Alistair Johnston’s expected return next month, potentially impacting board decisions.
How Does Johnston’s Return Affect Araujo’s Future?
Paul John Dykes on A Celtic State of Mind podcast questioned whether Johnston’s recovery is influencing Celtic’s stance on Araujo, drawing parallels to recent signings like Benjamin Arthur. Despite Araujo’s strong showings, the club may prioritise squad depth without rushing into a big spend.
What Are the Next Steps for Celtic and Araujo?
Any deal would need completion before the World Cup to avoid a potential price rise from Araujo’s performances, per The Celtic Star. Fans continue to debate whether to secure the defender now or assess options post-Johnston’s return.
Celtic supporters see Araujo as a high-priority target amid ambitions to strengthen the squad for upcoming challenges.
