Julian Araujo is reportedly not expected to return to Celtic, with Cruz Azul still keen on the defender.
Araujo’s loan spell in Glasgow was put to a premature end when a quad injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign after just 13 appearances.
In those appearances, Araujo has managed to establish himself as an unlikely fan-favourite, with his passion making Celtic feel like his perfect home.
However, there look to be serious doubts over whether the story will continue into next season.
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Julian Araujo ‘seduced’ by Cruz Azul
According to Mediotempo’s El Bolero column, Araujo is ‘seduced’ by the interest of Cruz Azul and not expected to continue his story with Celtic.
To be clear, he doesn’t appear to have rejected the Hoops. The move just hasn’t gotten off the ground.
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Cruz Azul aren’t the only club in Liga MX interested; Monterrey were revealed to be chasing Araujo last month.
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.
He also said that he ‘absolutely’ hates Rangers, thinks the Green Brigade are ‘absolutely mental’ and told Celtic to ‘pay the man’ to make the loan move permanent.
After returning to Mexico City in a last-minute push for fitness ahead of a home World Cup, the defender was officially left out of Mexico’s squad at the start of this month.
He graciously wrote on Instagram in response: “Wishing all the success to the lads.
“I know how much they have worked to get here and I’m ready to see them represent Mexico with pride. Leave it all on the pitch! Vamos Mexico!”
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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