Julián Araujo has reported back for pre-season at Bournemouth, and it could be the clearest indication yet that his Celtic chapter is over.
Araujo was a popular figure amongst the Celtic support as the full-back played a crucial part in the Parkhead club’s defence before injury cruelly ended his time at Parkhead.
Speculation over a permanent Celtic return has never completely gone away, but Bournemouth’s decision to bring Araujo back into pre-season may have changed the picture.
Should Celtic sign Julian Araujo permanently this summer?
Celtic return looks increasingly unlikely for Julián Araujo
As Celtic look to address their defensive issues by offering Anthony Ralston a contract extension, Mexican journalist Julio Rodriguez drops an update on where Araujo could play his football next season.
Taking to X, Rodriguez said, “Julián Araujo is currently doing preseason with Bournemouth, who are the current owners of his contract.
“Everything points to him not returning to Celtic, who were the last club of his career. We’ll have to see if he fits into the Cherries’ plans after the departure of Andoni Iraola.”
This is disappointing for Celtic fans who were hoping to see Araujo in the green and white Hoops once again next season.
What Bournemouth’s decision could mean for Celtic and Araujo
While Rodriguez admits a return to Celtic is unlikely, he also says that Araujo could wind up leaving England altogether to kick-start his career.
Rodriguez continued, “Honestly, I see it as tough for him to stay in the Premier League since in all the opportunities he got, he usually fell short.
“We’ll see where he ends up playing next season, after being left out of the World Cup. Hopefully he stays in Europe, in a project where he can establish himself as a starter, that would be the best for his career, which needs to take off.”
Indeed, that does not automatically mean a move to Celtic is completely off the cards. It does mean that Araujo could be on the move and that he needs to get out of England to reignite his career.
Celtic fans will rightly say the best place to do that is at Parkhead where European football and silverware is all but guaranteed.
As for Araujo, if he wants to get back to playing for Mexico, he needs regular first-team football. Celtic can offer that, but does he see a return to Scotland as the best avenue to attain it?
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