(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Wed 25 March 2026 13:00, UK

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Celtic could yet secure a permanent move for loanee Julian Araujo, with AFC Bournemouth happy to sell him this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The player himself is open to the idea of moving to Celtic Park on a permanent basis at the end of his loan spell, and there is also a willingness from the Bhoys to try and do a deal.

The Mexican right-back is understood to be hugely enjoying his time up in Glasgow, and sources have indicated that his parent club will not stand in his way if he wishes to move there permanently.

Celtic are keen to ensure they have strong competition in place for Alistair Johnston at right-back next term, and a move for Araujo could still be on the cards.

The supporters have already taken to the 24-year-old, and with Celtic set for a major overhaul ahead of next season, he could yet form a key piece of their long-term puzzle.

Celtic eye quality cover for Alistair Johnston

Celtic received a big boost this week as Alistair Johnston returned to full training alongside his teammates at Lennoxtown after a lengthy injury lay-off.

The Canadian hasn’t featured since the Europa League win over Sturm Graz on 23 October, and his last appearance before that came against Kairat Almaty on 20 August.

The 27-year-old was an integral part of Celtic’s success last term as he notched 14 goal involvements from just 32 Scottish Premiership games, but they have been forced to live almost entirely without him this time around.

Johnston is now into the final stages of his recovery process, but the club are keen to ensure that they handle him carefully in the coming months to prevent him breaking down again.

As a result, the Bhoys are desperate to ensure that they have quality cover in that area of the pitch at the start of next season, as a backup option in case Johnston’s injury problems flare up again.

Champions League key to Bhoys’ Silas Andersen chances

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Celtic could yet sign Silas Andersen this summer, after both them and Rangers were heavily linked with a move for him back in January.

The 21-year-old midfielder recently penned a new contract with Swedish side BK Hacken, and while that has added an extra complication to any potential deal, Celtic are still understood to be interested in him.

However, they will require Champions League football for next season if they are to have any hope of securing a deal, with Hacken set to demand “well in excess” of £5million in order to sanction a sale.

The Champions League would provide huge benefits to the Bhoys as it would help to significantly fund their summer rebuild, but without it, targets like Andersen are likely to be merely a pipe dream.