Celtic move for Bournemouth ‘gem’ Julian Araujo as Nancy seeks a January spark
Celtic look poised to dip into the Premier League for a bit of mid-season polish, with Bournemouth right-back Julian Araujo expected to arrive on loan once January swings open. That’s the line from journalist Mike McGrath, and it’s exactly the sort of tidy, low-risk move Wilfried Nancy could use to jolt his new side.
Deal on the table
Talks are understood to be progressing between Celtic and Bournemouth over a short-term deal for the 24-year-old. Araujo hasn’t seen a minute of Premier League action this season and, with opportunities tight on the south coast, a temporary switch to Glasgow suits all parties. He’s even been tagged a “gem” by Como scout Ben Mattinson — praise that will perk up ears around Lennoxtown.
Why Araujo fits the brief
Araujo is a mobile, front-foot full-back who likes to get high and wide, but he’s no slouch defensively either. Bournemouth’s recruitment rarely looks daft, even if the pathway to starts has been blocked for him since his move to England — just seven Premier League starts to show for it. Celtic need thrust down the right and a bit more balance in transition; Araujo ticks boxes without blowing the budget.
What it means for Nancy’s Celtic
It’s still early days for Nancy after his appointment earlier this month. Results have been mixed, and the timing of this pursuit feels deliberate: Celtic are second in the Premiership, three points behind leaders Hearts, and that away defeat at Motherwell stung. Celtic cannot afford another misstep; closing the three-point gap to Hearts demands early, decisive business. With the Old Firm looming, some voices around the club have even muttered about changes in the dugout — but the more immediate fix is backing the current boss with the right profiles. Even the odds-shifters on best betting sites will be watching how this one unfolds.
Risk, reward and timing
Let’s be straight: Araujo needs games. He’s had none this campaign and won’t arrive as a ready-made superstar. But the upside makes sense. A short loan, a player with pace to burn, and a point to prove — that’s a classic January equation in Glasgow. If Celtic land him early in the window, he can bed in quickly and be in the frame when the calendar’s biggest fixtures roll around.
Pundit’s verdict
On balance, it’s shrewd. Araujo gets his platform, Nancy gets fresh legs and energy where it’s needed, and Celtic add a defender with the right athletic profile for their title chase. It won’t solve everything — no single loan does — but as a first step into the window, it’s the sort of move that says: we’re still in this race.
