Celtic boss gives honest answer to permanent transfer of 'excellent' January loanee loving life in Glasgow
Martin O’Neill has set the record straight on the possibility of Celtic signing the defender who has quickly become a fans’ favourite
Martin O’Neill has moved to temper expectations regarding the possibility of Celtic signing impressive loan star Julian Araujo on a permanent deal this summer.
The Mexico international has seized his opportunity to get his career back on track after joining the Hoops from Premier League side AFC Bournemouth at the start of January.
The former Barcelona youth player - tied down on a contract until 2027 with the Cherries - was brought in as cover for injured right-back Alistair Johnston, who isn’t expected back until March at the earliest.
Araujo quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite with a string of impressive performances, leading to calls for the 24-year-old’s temporary switch to be made permanent at the end of the season.
Despite the full-bac’s refusal to rule out the possibility of extending his stay in Glasgow, veteran boss O’Neill hinted that his long-term aim will be to make the grade in the English top-flight.
However, he insists Araujo can return to the Vitality Stadium with a Scottish Premiership winners’ medal.
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Speaking on the Celtic FC podcast, O’Neill admitted: “I think he’s done really, really well. He’s got good character, he wants to do well. His heart is in the right place as well, too.
“There are parts to his game that he knows himself that he can really tighten up. I think the experience here, if he stays clear of serious injury, will stand him in really good stead.
“If, for instance, he was heading back to Bournemouth to really challenge for a place in the Premier League team, then I think all of this experience will be great for him.
“He’s been excellent. There are part of his game that I, as a manager and coach, see that he can definitely improve on. But’s he’s had a great impact so far.”
Julian Araujo loving life in Scotland after impressive Celtic impact
Speaking last week, the only signing of Wilfried Nancy’s ill-fated 33-day reign in charge insisted he is loving life in Scotland.
“Football’s crazy, anything can happen,” Araujo said. “I’ve been happy here, I’m enjoying my football and I let my agent handle the rest.
“But of course I’ve been happy here. Obviously it’s a good city, good club, good people most importantly. I think at the end of the day I just want to play football and the rest my agent can handle.”