Celtic have got their first signing of the January transfer window.
Wilfried Nancy is gearing up for his first Glasgow Derby against Rangers on Saturday, and he might have a new wing-back in the starting XI.
Julian Araujo has signed for Celtic on loan from Bournemouth until the end of the season. He trained with his new teammates on Friday morning
Araujo joined the Cherries for £9 million 18 months ago, having previously played for Barcelona, Las Palmas and LA Galaxy.
But how did the move come about? A Mexican transfer expert has revealed details on the role Araujo’s entourage have played in the move.
Kery Ruiz on Julian Araujo’s move to Celtic
The 24-year-old will be a familiar name to Nancy after his spell in MLS as a young player.
But he has made just one senior appearance for Bournemouth this season, in which he was sent off.
Clearly, no footballer wants to spend such a long period without playing, especially with a home World Cup approaching next summer.
So Araujo’s representatives were left with no choice but to look to get him a move in Europe, despite interest from Mexico.
Speaking to Celtic Fans TV, Ruiz said of the move: “I’m not quite sure if the Celtic interest raised by itself.
“But it’s more the environment and the people surrounding Julian Araujo are trying to look for a team for him to stay in Europe…
“But also to have minutes. It’s key for him to have, at least, something in the second half of the season if he wants to participate in the competition to go to the World Cup.”
Maybe not one identified by the scouts then… more likely one dumped on their desk after an agent recommendation.
There’s no denying Araujo’s pedigree as a player intensely pursued by Barcelona a few years ago – but the jury will be out until we see him in Hoops.
Celtic’s other January transfer targets
Araujo is a defensive signing; primarily a right-wing-back who has also operated on the left.
But in attacking areas, plenty of names have been doing the rounds, including Ivorian winger Joelin Ta Bi, who the Hoops are competing with Gent and Trabzonspor for.
Another Ivorian, Ibrahim Diabate has also been linked, but these rumours have been played down by Swedish sources.
Wessam Abou Ali and Diego Rossi, two players known to Nancy from his time in Columbus, could also be brought into the Celts’ attack.