Celtic fans told exactly what they're getting from Wilfried Nancy's first January recruit as instant Old Firm impact targeted
Right-sided defender has joined the Scottish champions on loan from AFC Bournemouth until the end of the season
Julian Araujo has declared he’s ready for the “challenge” and demands of playing for Celtic - and is hopeful of making an immediate impact if given the chance to line up against Rangers in tomorrow’s Old Firm clash.
The 16-times capped Mexico international has completed a six-month loan move English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth and could make a quickfire home debut against Danny Rohl’s men.
Araujo - a right-back - checks in at Parkhead to bolster under-fire head coach Wilfried Nancy in an area of the pitch where the Frenchman has had to apply square pegs in round holes by using the likes of Luke McCowan and Yang Hyun-jun as auxiliary wing-backs to suit his 3-4-3 system.
The former Barcelona youth player, who counts MLS giants LA Galaxy and Las Palmas among his former clubs, provides a more natural option for Nancy going forward after a straight loan deal with no purchase option was struck within the opening 24 hours of the January window.
Julian Araujo’s first words after signing for Celtic on loan
Araujo cost Bournemouth £8 million in the summer of 2024, where he is currently 18 months into a five-year contract. And the newest Hoops recruit - assigned the number 22 shirt - admits he can’t wait to get down to work with his new team-mates after arriving in Glasgow.
“I am really happy to join Celtic,” he told the club’s official website. “This is a top club and I can’t wait to get going and work hard with the other players to bring our fans success.
“I know the demands at a club like Celtic, and I am ready for these. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and I want to play my part in bringing good times and good, winning football to our supporters.
“I have met the boys already. We have some great players in the squad and we are all ready to tackle the second half of the season and do as much as we can for the fans.”
What has Wilfried Nancy said?
California-born Araujo is a player that Celtic boss Nancy knows well from his time in the MLS and hopes he can bring a “freshness” and “new energy” to his squad.
Nancy commented: “We are delighted to bring Julian to Celtic. He is a really talented young player with a good level of experience and we think the qualities he will bring will be really beneficial to the squad.
“He brings freshness, new energy. He can play on the side as a full-back or wing-back. He hasn’t played a lot recently, but he’s going to be able to help us and is going to be in the group for tomorrow.”