Wilfried Nancy has sights on his first Celtic signing, Premier League manager is ready to do business
Celtic are eyeing a swoop for Julian Araujo as Wilfried Nancy looks to get the Hoops’ title ambitions back on track.
Back-to-back wins has seen pressure ease on Nancy, who appeared to be close to the sack at Celtic, despite being recently appointed.
Thankfully, Hearts’ defeat to Hibernian on Saturday has seen both Old Firm sides’ title hopes increase, as the Frenchman aims to end the season with a trophy.
However, January could be crucial in deciding who wins the Scottish Premiership, with each of the top three having weaknesses.
Therefore, Celtic are already preparing for the upcoming transfer window as they eye a move for Araujo.
🚨🇲🇽 BREAKING: AFC Bournemouth has officialy announced the signing of 22-year-old Mexican right-back Julian Araujo! 🏴🍒
— All Fútbol MX 🇲🇽 (@AllFutbolMX) August 13, 2024
pic.twitter.com/visAVpXeoI
Celtic look to bring in Julian Araujo on loan
Celtic are set to have limited funds to spend in January, which means that Nancy will have to be smart in the transfer market if he is to improve his squad.
One of Celtic’s biggest weaknesses under Nancy has been the defence, with the Hoops yet to keep a clean sheet under the manager.
Therefore, a defender is needed, and The Scottish Sun on 29 December believes that the Old Firm side is eyeing a loan move for Araujo.
The right-back moved to Bournemouth in 2024 from Barcelona, but has struggled for game time in the Premier League.
As a result, Andoni Iraola is likely to sanction a loan move, with Celtic strong contenders to sign the Mexican international, with the right-back being viewed as ideal for Nancy’s system.
How good is Araujo?
Based on his stats from last season, Araujo struggled in the Premier League.
Fotmob on 29 December states that he only completed 81.7 per cent of his passes, won 36.6 per cent of his duels and was frequently dribbled past.
| Julian Araujo’s Premier League stats last season | Per 90 minutes |
| Passing accuracy | 81.7% |
| Duels won | 36.6% |
| Chances created | 0.18 |
| Successful crosses | 0.36 |
| Tackles | 1.81 |
| Dribbled past | 1.27 |
However, the defender is still young, at 24 years old and is playing in one of the hardest leagues in the world.
Therefore, there is every chance that if Celtic were to bring in Araujo, he would be a success under Nancy.