Julian Araujo not ruling out a permanent move, we should be all over that, as the boy is class…
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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With a total rebuild expected during the summer, there is going to be massive decisions awaiting for any new manager regardless?
But whoever is going to be in position to be making such decisions, doesn’t change the process that’s involved within the squad building process?
And that hasn’t been done to satisfactory levels in recent times admittedly imo?
The quality factor we are hoping for, will centre around the forming of a 25man European squad. Even at that, there is still 8 homegrown players required. And as a starting point, that is where our current struggles begin imo?
Who are our 4 club trained players going to be for next season?
With a rebuild expected, will that include both calmac and forrest?
Donovan will still be eligible as a B list player, but certainly should still be considered as a 3rd choice RB at least, within the process involved imo?
Doohan and Murray would possibly be still in contention even if reduced playing time was only on offer for ourselves at present? Of course Tierney hopefully still remains to stay fit?
Would still leave decisions to be made upon both ralston and Welsh to be made?
Even though we have options and decisions to be made within our club trained players, there is still room for Scottish players to make up our quota also?
McCowan is the only one filling that role at present, and very rarely gets used in European matches, and playing time getting more reduced at present also.
Personally believe that a Liam Miller type of player would be potentially very beneficial for ourselves imo?
As this area within the squad building process, hasn’t been done to sufficient standards, which is ridiculous, when it covers a third of our squad within the squad building process involved.
Was even worse last summer, that 3rd choice options couldn’t be developed, which should be positions filled by players such as Donovan, to cover the injury issues that can occur, and a rotational policy within such a hectic footballing calendar these days?
Personally believe that to much focus is placed upon our international players, within the squad building process imo?
But getting the homegrown quota options right first, should make it easier to identify and add the extra quality that the international players can bring imo?
Once those 8 are identify, and what positions and roles they might play within our 25man squad? Then in theory it should make it easier to finalise the extra quality that’s required within the squad building process imo?