According to Mediotiempo, Cruz Azul has Julián Araujo on its list of potential reinforcements for the Apertura 2026 campaign. The report claims Cruz Azul considers the defender a priority option at right-back, with club figure Víctor Velázquez expected to attempt to persuade him to make the transfer. Mediotiempo suggests that his time in Europe with Celtic has not proceeded as planned and also indicates his World Cup disappointment is something that could make a move back to Mexico more appealing.

Julian Araujo could return to Mexico, with Monterrey and Cruz Azul competing to sign the full back. Mexican champions Cruz Azul are interested in the right back, along with Monterrey, and they are both exploring loan options. He is not in the future plans of the English Premier League side and could now return to his homeland.

Mexican journalist Gerardo González reported that Cruz Azul is a club Julián Araujo would find appealing if he returns to Liga MX. González indicated that Cruz Azul has not yet taken any action.

Cruz Azul has targeted 24-year-old Mexican international Julian Araujo for a summer transfer to Mexico, as the club seeks a replacement for right back Jorge Sanchez who was sold to Greek side PAOK. Araujo is currently on loan at Celtic from Bournemouth and is set to return there at the end of the season, as his deal does not include a purchase option. Any transfer would require an agreement with Bournemouth, where the former Barcelona player has three years remaining on his contract. He is considered unlikely to play a role for the Premier League club after being excluded from the team before his move to Scotland. Araujo has 16 caps for Mexico. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €10.00m.