Julian Araujo has been a breath of fresh air at Celtic after signing from Bournemouth on a loan deal in January.
In truth, Celtic’s right-back is in a rare category this season because he is one of the very few signings this season who is proving to be a success.
One man who has watched Araujo up close and personal at Lennoxtown is academy coach and former player, Jonny Hayes, who was lauding the player’s character behind the scenes before Celtic’s win at Aberdeen on Wednesday night.
“In and around the gym, he is excitable, and he brings a bit of charisma to the training,” shared Hayes.
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When Alistair Johnston returns to fitness, would you pick him over Julian Araujo?
Further proof that Celtic should sign Julian Araujo permanently
Alistair Johnston has been a reliable right-back for Celtic, but he has been injured for most of the season.
When he returns, it will be interesting to see who starts between him and Araujo because the new kid on the block will give the Canadian star a run for his money.
But looking at the long-term picture, there is no reason why Celtic shouldn’t sign Araujo permanently because he has been outstanding.
What’s even better is that he isn’t just a great player, but a great person to have around training and in the dressing room, which is exactly what Celtic need, given their recent decline on and off the pitch.
“I think it influences the whole building (when you are chasing for a title), in terms of the training environment and the matchday environment,” Hayes told Sky Sports Football (04/03/26).
“You can see that the fans feed off him as well. I see him day in and day out. The way he is, of course, professional on the football pitch, but in and around the gym, he is excitable, and he brings a bit of charisma to the training.
“You saw on Sunday (at Ibrox) as well, the reaction after the game as well. He obviously is quite passionate about football, and he’s taken the club to heart quite quickly.”
Araujo’s stats since joining Celtic
Of course, nothing will top Araujo’s winner at Kilmarnock, and that celebration, which will become even more memorable if Celtic win the title.
But remember, the all-action fullback isn’t playing in a fully-functioning team, from back to front, so imagine what he will be like in a much better side next season.
That’s the aim, that Celtic seriously enhance their starting XI and squad next term, and if that happens, then Araujo can probably take his game to the next level compared to what he is currently showing.
- Araujo’s Premiership games: 10
- Starts: 9
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 0
- Key Passes per game: 1
- Tackles: 1.7
- Interceptions: 1.1
- Clearances: 2.6
- Clean Sheets: 3
- WhoScored rating: 6.89
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