Marco Tilio looks set to leave Celtic, with the winger closing in on a switch to Rapid Vienna.
The Australian international featured off the bench in the second half of the Hoops’ 4-0 pre-season win against Newcastle United at Celtic Park, replacing Yang Hyeon-jun with just under half an hour to play.
The deal also contains a clause which will make the move permanent for €1.5 million if the 23-year-old starts 20 competitive matches for the Vienna club.
Tilio was signed in the summer of 2023, around £2 million from Melbourne City but struggled to make any impact under Brendan Rodgers.
After making just two competitive appearances, amounting to a mere 28 minutes of action, he was shipped back to Australia on loan in January.
That temporary switch was later extended, with Melbourne confirming his return for the A-League 2024/25 season.
On the eve of his move, Tilio has shared an image on his Instagram story wearing the Celtic strip, a subtle nod to the club he’s preparing to leave behind. While there’s been no official farewell, the post felt like a quiet sign-off as he eyes a fresh start in Austria.
From the outset, Tilio appeared to be a long-term project. However, he never truly convinced the Celtic manager, who has now opted to move him on.
Celtic’s attacking display against Newcastle was sharp, but there’s little doubt further reinforcements are required.
With Tilio heading for the exit, attention turns to who might be brought in to provide genuine competition out wide as Rodgers seeks to add more cutting edge in the final third.
