Celtic confirm first Wilfried Nancy signing as 16-cap international arrives for Rangers derby debut

Julián Araujo has joined the club on loan from Bournemouth until the end of this season, becoming the first new arrival under recently-appointed head coach Wilfried Nancy.

The 24-year-old right-back, who has been capped 16 times for Mexico, was born in California and began his professional career in the MLS with LA Galaxy before joining Barcelona in February 2023.

He spent the following season on loan at Spanish side, Las Palmas, before making the move to Bournemouth in August 2024, but has found his opportunities limited at the Premier League side.

Speaking to the Celtic website after completing his loan move, the defender said: “I am really happy to join Celtic. This is a top club and I can’t wait to get going and work hard with the other players to bring our fans success.

“I know the demands at a club like Celtic, and I am ready for these. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and I want to play my part in bringing good times and good, winning football to our supporters.

“I have met the boys already. We have some great players in the squad and we are all ready to tackle the second half of the season and do as much as we can for the fans.”

Nancy, who came up against Araujo during his time coaching in the MLS with Columbus Crew and CF Montreal, will hope his new signing can bolster a defence that has conceded 15 goals in his short seven-match reign, which has also produced five defeats.

The Celtic boss added: “We are delighted to bring Julián to Celtic. He is a really talented player with a good level of experience and we think the qualities he will bring will be really beneficial to the squad.”