Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has shared his view on the chances of the club signing Julian Araujo permanently next season. The Mexican right-back has impressed supporters during his loan spell, bringing energy and aggression to the position when called upon.
Araujo arrived from Bournemouth looking for regular football. Minutes in the Premier League had been limited and the move to Scotland offered a chance to play more often. Since joining, he has shown a willingness to get forward and defend with intensity. Those qualities have made him a popular figure among supporters.
The discussion around a permanent move has grown as his performances have settled. Supporters have noticed his passion and how he approaches big matches. The defender’s display at Ibrox was one moment that stood out, where his determination and work rate were clear throughout the game.
However, the situation around the right-back position at Celtic is not straightforward. Alistair Johnston remains the club’s first-choice player in that role. The Canadian international has been one of the most consistent performers in the squad over the last few years. Any move for another player in the same position would have to fit alongside that reality.
Mulgrew believes the financial side of the deal could also shape the decision. Transfer fees at that level are usually reserved for positions where clubs expect a higher resale value or a direct impact on goals.
He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “I don’t think they will sign a fullback for that amount of money. I don’t think with Alistair Johnston being there, I don’t think there is any chance of Celtic spending £10 million to have two top-class fullbacks in the building. That’s my opinion.
“I think he has done brilliantly. He has been a breath of fresh air with his passion, commitment and intensity to the game. He showed that at Ibrox.
“But when there is that interest there. It is going to cost that money. Alistair Johnston is sitting there, who you could argue is a better fullback.
“Potentially (if Celtic sold Alistair Johnston). But I still don’t think Celtic would invest £10 million in a fullback. I don’t. There was a lot of money spent on Kieran Tierney’s wages this year.
“Obviously, Kieran Tierney is a Celtic fan. Grew up with the club. He has an affliction with the club. Comes back.
“If you are going to spend that amount of money. It’s going to be on a forward player and a striker. Somebody that can go for £25 million or more in the future.”
Mulgrew’s point comes down to how squads are built. Clubs rarely spend big money on a position where a clear first choice already exists.
That makes the situation around Araujo less clear. He has impressed during his time in Glasgow, but the fee involved and the current options in the squad could make a permanent deal difficult to justify.
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