Colchester sign Fulham defender Araujo on loan

Colchester United have signed defender Harvey Araujo on loan from Fulham for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old, who can play centre-back or at left-back, spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Chesterfield, where he made 20 appearances in League Two.

He has yet to play for Fulham's first team but was involved in four EFL Trophy games for their Under-21s two seasons ago.

"Technically, he's a really good player and will give us that left-foot balance which is something we always like," boss Danny Cowley told BBC Essex Sport.

"He's a really good reader of the game, an intelligent defender, and gives us the competition for places that we want in that position."

Araujo joins a Colchester side that have taken five points from their opening five games of the season but lost the last two, at home to Cambridge United and Barrow.

"I see myself as a leader on and off the ball, dictating the style of play, showing my physicality, and being aggressive when needed," he told the club website.

"Danny and Nicky set out a clear plan for me, to go out there, express myself, and be the best player I can be.

The U's are away at Barnet on Saturday.