Julian Araujo not ruling out permanent move to Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·7 February 2026

Julian Araujo not ruling out permanent move to Celtic

Julian Araujo not ruling out a permanent move, we should be all over that, as the boy is class…

Julián Araujo of Celtic. Falkirk v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Falkirk Stadium, 14 January 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Julian Araujo has been a standout since his loan move from Bournemouth at the start of January, with the Mexican international becoming a favourite in the eyes of the Celtic support due to his competent displays, not only in a defensive sense, but offensively also.

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He’s a player we’ve been crying out for in the absence of Alistair Johnston. Colby Donavan has got great potential, but he’s perhaps not totally ready for the pressures of a title run in, and not to sound disrespectful, Tony Ralston just isn’t the answer. He’s a wholehearted and committed player yes, but by no means a first choice pick.

Martin O Neill with Julian Araujo. Celtic v Dundee United, Scottish Premiership, Football, Celtic Park, 10 January 2026. Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

Araujo has experience of playing at high level, and is an international player.

Indeed the carrot of a World Cup spot with the Mexican national side is undoubtedly one of the reasons behind his impressive showings of late, something that’s not only been beneficial to the player, but the team also.

Some will point out that Alistair Johnston is on his way back, maybe even as early as next month, but we should be aiming for two quality choices in each area of the pitch, and the right back spot is no different.

To make Araujo’s stay permanent would most likely cost a fee in the region of £7-£8 million, a fee Celtic can easily afford (if no-executive Dermot Desmond sanctions the spend), so there can be no excuses on that front. Any move however would need to be agreed before the World Cup, as an impressive showing by the player could well up the ante in terms of his price tag.

Alexandros Kyziridis of Heart of Midlothian and Julian Araujo of Celtic content for the ball during the Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Having two quality players to pick from at right back, an area we’ve struggled in recent years for strength and depth will only enhance us going forward in the long run.

It would also allow us to listen to offers for Tony Ralston whose time, at the club is probably coming to an end, and the younger more impressive Colby Donovan could be allowed to leave on loan to sharpen his skills and add to his experience.

If we have any ambitions of improving, Julian Araujo should be high on the list of targets for the new incoming manager this summer, or even go against the grain and get a deal done before the end of the season.

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Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order