Celtic complete loan signing of Bournemouth defender Julián Araujo

Celtic have completed the signing of defender Julián Araujo on loan from Bournemouth until the end of the season.

The 24-year-old, who has been capped 16 times by Mexico, links up with Wilfried Nancy’s squad ahead of their first match of 2026 – a derby clash against Rangers at Celtic Park on Saturday.

Araujo, who was born in California, began his professional career in Major League Soccer with LA Galaxy before joining Barcelona in February 2023. He spent the following season on loan at Spanish side Las Palmas and moved to Bournemouth in August 2024.

Speaking after completing the move, Araujo said: “I am really happy to join Celtic. This is a top club and I can’t wait to get going and work hard with the other players to bring our fans success.

“I know the demands at a club like Celtic, and I am ready for these. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and I want to play my part in bringing good times and good, winning football to our supporters.

“I have met the boys already. We have some great players in the squad and we are all ready to tackle the second half of the season and do as much as we can for the fans.”

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy welcomed the signing, saying: “We are delighted to bring Julián to Celtic. He is a really talented player with a good level of experience and we think the qualities he will bring will be really beneficial to the squad.”