Mexico City – Cruz Azul is exploring options to reinforce its right back position following the departure of Jorge Sánchez to PAOK of Greece. The sale of the Mexican international has left La Máquina with limited natural options, prompting the club to evaluate potential reinforcements, including Celtic’s Julián Araujo.
According to information revealed by Kery!News on the podcast Vamos Demonstrate, Cruz Azul’s leadership has begun preliminary discussions regarding Araujo’s situation, seeking to understand his valuation and the conditions that might facilitate a potential negotiation.
The path to acquiring Araujo isn’t straightforward. The player currently belongs to Bournemouth of the English Premier League, but is on loan with Celtic in Scotland, who hold an option to buy. So any initial decision rests with the Scottish club. While Celtic assesses Araujo’s future, Cruz Azul is currently conducting a preliminary assessment without formal negotiations.
Julián Araujo’s Impact at Celtic
Julián Araujo has quickly established himself as an important player for Celtic since arriving just months ago. The right back has earned the trust of the coaching staff and the admiration of the fans through his tenacious defending and contributions to the attack.
The Mexican international has featured in 10 matches for the Scottish club, starting in nine of them. He has accumulated 787 minutes on the pitch, scoring one goal and contributing to two clean sheets during that period. His attacking style was highlighted early in his Celtic career when he scored a stoppage-time winner against Kilmarnock, a moment that sparked a viral celebration among the Celtic Park faithful.
Araujo’s performance in the recent Old Firm derby against Rangers further elevated his profile. He was involved in a play that resulted in a penalty for his team and likewise contributed to a tense exchange between players from both sides.
A Complicated Operation for Cruz Azul
Despite the interest, journalist Gerardo González indicates that securing Araujo in the short term appears complex. Araujo has quickly integrated into Celtic and his performances have increased his market value. For now, Cruz Azul’s interest is limited to evaluating the conditions surrounding a potential move, with no active negotiations or formal proposal currently in place.
Meanwhile, the Cruz Azul board is also analyzing other positions to strengthen the squad for the Apertura 2026 season. Defender César Montes remains on the club’s radar, particularly given the injury to Jesús Orozco Chiquete.
The summer transfer window is still some time away, but Cruz Azul has already begun reviewing options to reinforce a squad aiming to compete for the title next season.
América vs Cruz Azul podría jugarse en el Estadio Azteca
Cruz Azul’s search for a replacement for Jorge Sánchez highlights the club’s proactive approach to squad building. While the pursuit of Julián Araujo presents challenges, the club is clearly identifying and evaluating potential targets to ensure they remain competitive in Liga MX. The situation with Araujo is further complicated by his current loan status and Celtic’s potential option to purchase, meaning Cruz Azul will need to navigate a complex negotiation should they pursue the player further.
Fans will be watching closely to see how this situation develops as the Apertura 2026 season approaches. Cruz Azul’s next Liga MX fixture will be a key indicator of their current form and tactical approach and any further developments in the transfer market will undoubtedly be closely monitored.
