Celtic’s efforts to secure Julian Araujo hit a complication

Celtic’s efforts to secure Julian Araujo have hit a complication as talks continue ahead of Saturday’s Glasgow Derby…

Celtic are understood to be exploring a short-term deal for the Bournemouth defender, with the aim of having the Mexico international available for Saturday’s meeting with theRangers.

However, Bournemouth have already filled their quota of players loaned out to overseas clubs, creating an obstacle to any swift agreement as per The National. As a result, the Premier League outfit would need to terminate another loan arrangement before sanctioning Araujo’s move to Glasgow.

With the January window about to open, Celtic appear to be pressing ahead with wider recruitment plans rather than focusing solely on the right-back.

Interest also remains in Preston North End forward Milutin Osmajic, while winger Jocelin Ta Bi is another target. Ta Bi is currently on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva from Maccabi Netanya. The transfer window opens on Friday and will remain active until February 2, 2026.

Speaking after Tuesday’s 2–0 loss to Motherwell, Wilfried Nancy was asked about potential January arrivals as he looks to reshape his squad. “This is the idea. Now we’re going to see which players, who, and when we’re going to do it,” he said.

In other news, Norwegian winger Sondre Orjasaeter has spoken openly about his decision to reject a move to Celtic, explaining that he felt the Scottish game was not the best fit for his style of play.

The 22-year-old had been on Celtic’s radar for an extended period and became the subject of a transfer tussle last summer involving Twente. Both sides were understood to have reached agreement on a fee of around £5 million with his former club Sarpsborg 08.

Despite strong interest from the Scottish champions, Orjasaeter ultimately chose a switch to Dutch football, believing the technical and tactical demands in the Netherlands would better complement his strengths.

He said via Scottish Sun: “I could have moved to Celtic, but I don’t think the type of football played there suits me best. And the Eredivisie has proven to be a very good platform for young players like me and there are a lot of technically skilled players there.”

“I didn’t have much time to think about whether I wanted to go to Twente. Of course, I knew they were narrowly eliminated in the Europa League group stage last season against Bodo/Glimt. Everyone I spoke to about the club talked about the fans and how Twente played. So it wasn’t that difficult for me to decide and I haven’t regretted my move for a second.”

“I’m happy with how the club is structured; we have a lot of fun. I like that. We’re a good group of friends and a team that wants to work hard for our fans.”

🗣️ “The Celtic players look directionless. The squad is in dire need of major surgery.”

Celtic fan Conor Spence from the Celtic Star reflects on the Motherwell defeat, Wilfried Nancy’s future and Saturday’s Old Firm – live on Sky Sports 📺 pic.twitter.com/SRaCuTU1aS

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 31, 2025

Conor Spence

Happy New Year from everyone at The Celtic Star! 

Celtic in the Thirties – Both Volumes Half in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

Both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…