Celtic are looking to sign Estoril wingback Tiago Araujo ahead of the January transfer window, according to The Telegraph.
The English newspaper claims that the Portuguese Under 21 international has already been the “subject of enquiries” from the Scottish champions.
Araujo is expected to cost quite a sizeable sum, though, with Estoril set to demand around £4m for the player who joined them on a free transfer from Benfica in the summer of 2022.
However, his performances over the past year and a half have clearly impressed Celtic scouts and an offer could well be tabled before the January window opens.
What do Celtic fans need to know about Araujo?
The 22-year-old is just as comfortable playing as a left-back or as a winger, having played in both positions during his time at Estoril.
Since the end of September, most of Araujo’s game time has come as a left wingback, with Estoril having switched to a three-man defence.
This season, the Portuguese star has scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists in 16 appearances, which is certainly not a bad return, considering he plays for a team who are struggling at the wrong end of the table. Estoril currently sit 13th in Liga Portugal; a point above the bottom three.
Araujo’s arrival could spell the end for Bernabei
Greg Taylor remains the de-facto first-choice at left-back, but it must be said that the Scottish international has not been in as good form as last season. Araujo would likely be brought in to provide some competition.
It does, though, leave big question marks over the future of Alexandro Bernabei. The Argentine has made only three substitute appearances this campaign and there is a good chance that he will be shipped out in the New Year.
