Celtic are reportedly interested in a deal to bring Julian Araujo back to the club this summer.
Araujo made just 13 appearances during his loan spell in Glasgow, but still managed to establish himself as a fan-favourite.
A quad injury put an end to his season after Celtic’s penalty shootout win at Ibrox, but he has now returned for pre-season at parent club Bournemouth.
The defender could be reintegrated at Dean Court under new boss Marco Rose, but the Hoops are reportedly keen to enter the race in the event of a departure.
Should Celtic sign Julian Araujo permanently this summer?
Celtic and Liga MX clubs ‘closely monitoring’ Julian Araujo
According to Mexican outlet Debate, Araujo’s Bournemouth future will be determined by the club’s summer transfer business.
As well as Celtic, several Mexican clubs are interested.
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Among them are Monterrey and Cruz Azul, whose respective interests have been well-documented in Mexico.
Bournemouth are reportedly looking for an increase on the £8 million figure they paid to bring him to England from Barcelona.
Given that he was initially brought to Celtic due to the injury to Alistair Johnston, it remains uncertain whether or not the club plan to go ahead with both.
Knowing the Parkhead hierarchy, they would be unlikely to spend £8 million on a Premier League right back if he wasn’t coming in as a clear first choice.
Araujo’s cousin hinted at a permanent Celtic stay after his final appearance for the club; the same cousin later returned to Glasgow for the Scottish Cup final.
Born and raised in the United States, Araujo represented the US at five different age levels before appearing in a friendly in 2020. He decided to switch to Mexico a year later and has since earned 16 caps.
Araujo has discussed the possibility of playing in Mexico in the past.
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Celtic’s Julian Araujo on playing in Mexico
Speaking to ESPN’s Pena de La Liga in 2023, Araujo said: “As a child, I always imagined myself playing in Mexico.
“I’ve always watched Mexican league games. I’d like to try it before my career ends, to have that experience.
“On my father’s side, I have a lot of family who are still in Mexico, I can’t see them regularly, and they can’t see me play unless the Mexican National Team calls me up and we’re in Mexico; then they can see me.
“It would make me very happy to play in Mexico, where I can receive support in every match and be a part of my daily life.
“I would definitely like to play in Mexico before I finish my career. I’m not closing myself off to that possibility, but football takes you in many directions.”
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