Celtic are lining up move to sign international adored by Barcelona legend Xavi
Celtic are reportedly eyeing a January move for Bournemouth defender Julian Araujo as they look to strengthen Wilfried Nancy’s squad.
Transfer chiefs at Celtic want Araujo to join on loan, with the 24-year-old having only made just one appearance for the Cherries this season.
The Mexico international made the switch from Barcelona in 2024, but struggled for game time after spending around four months on the treatment table following a hamstring injury.
Celtic have also made a move for Jocelin Ta Bi, with negotiations ongoing regarding the Ivorian winger.
Nancy has settled in at Celtic, guiding his side to wins over Aberdeen and Livingston after what had been a terrible start.
Xavi was a big fan of Julian Araujo
Bournemouth signed Araujo from Barcelona in a deal worth around £8.7million last year.
The defender had begun his career in the iconic La Masia academy, but later joined MLS club LA Galaxy when his contract expired.
In 2023, though, Barcelona would sign him back and loan him out to UD Las Palmas, where he enjoyed a strong season.
After signing for Barca in 2023, reports had emerged that Araujo was struggling to adapt to life in Spain, but head coach at the time, Xavi, came out in support of the defender.
“Julián Araujo is adapting very well,” the Spanish icon said. “From next year, he can help us out a lot.
“I’m sure he’s going to be a good option for us. He is strong, powerful, positive, and has a very good shot from distance.”
Andoni Iraola shed light on Araujo situation in October
Araujo is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season, and in the only match he has played in, against Brentford in the Carabao Cup, he was sent off.
The right-back is highly rated at the Vitality Stadium, but when asked about his lack of involvement, head coach Andoni Iraola pointed to the arrival of Alex Jimenez and the presence of James Hill.
“Araujo has to keep pushing; we know him well at the club,” the Spaniard told Fox Sports in October.
“I encourage him not to give up because his time will come, and I’m confident it will because he’s also a good guy, a hard worker, and I’m sure he’ll maintain his level.”
Be that as it may, Araujo must seek game time if he is to develop. That opportunity could well have arrived in the form of Celtic, where the right-back would have the presence of a fellow former MLS figure in Nancy.