Celtic have confirmed the loan signing of Mexico International Julián Araujo. The ex-Barcelona defender has joined the club on loan deal from Premier League side Bournemouth until the end of this season…
🎥👀 All eyes on Julián at Lennoxtown this morning#WelcomeJulián | #CELRAN | #CelticFC🍀 https://t.co/LILuMZDQXU pic.twitter.com/OTdQDlKfvd
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 2, 2026
The 24-year-old defender, who has been capped 16 times for Mexico, will join Wilfried Nancy’s squad for tomorrow’s game against Rangers.
✍️ We are delighted to confirm that Julián Araujo has joined #CelticFC on loan until the end of the season from AFC Bournemouth 💚
Welcome to Celtic, Julián!#WelcomeJulián | #CelticFC🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 2, 2026
It was reported that Araujo was in Glasgow with a deal agreed and the player was on standby to complete the deal. Now it is expected that he will be part of the squad for tomorrow’s Glasgow Derby. It remains to be seen where he fits in – given how frantic the team is at present.
Araujo made his name at LA Galaxy before being scouted and signed by Catalan giants FC Barcelona. The move did not pan out as the player hoped and a loan followed before a move to Bournemouth in 2024. The fullback has made just 14 appearances for the Cherries since.
Speaking after completing his loan move via the official Celtic FC website, the incoming Celtic defender said: “I am really happy to join Celtic. 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.
Straight to work 💪#WelcomeJulián | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/ZdVvYvshq5
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 2, 2026
“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.”
Celtic Manager, Wilfried Nancy added: “We are delighted to bring Julián to Celtic. He is a really talented player with a good level of experience and we think the qualities he will bring will be really beneficial to the squad.”
🗣️ “The Celtic players look directionless. The squad is in dire need of major surgery.”
Celtic fan Conor Spence from the Celtic Star reflects on the Motherwell defeat, Wilfried Nancy’s future and Saturday’s Old Firm – live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/SRaCuTU1aS
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 31, 2025
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If applicable Celtic must recall Nawrocki TODAY and give the team some semblance of balance.
Sinisalo
Donovan Nawrocki Trusty
Rio Angels McGregor Tierney
Jamesy Nygren DM
Would welcome the move, despite it being unclear as to where Nancy, is going to play him?
The ralston/yang partnership is a big weakness within the current set up of our team imo.
Somehow, I don’t see Nancy changing his team set up whatsoever?
So potentially as a guess, I would say that it’s looking like a Julian or ralston within a back 3.
Still allows for yang and Donovan in this wing back role?
Could it work, when to many signs of players don’t seem to be buying into the plans of Nancy?
Should find out the answer tomorrow?