As speculation intensifies over Kieran Tierney’s future, former Scotland international Michael Stewart believes Celtic could make a genuine move to bring the Arsenal defender back to Parkhead during the January transfer window.
With Tierney sidelined from Mikel Arteta’s plans at Arsenal and just six months remaining on his contract, the possibility of a return to Celtic has sparked excitement among Hoops fans.
There have been suggestions that Celtic could explore a loan deal for the left-back until the end of the season, and could explore the possibility of a pre-contract agreement that would see him return to Glasgow permanently, but it’s all speculation as of now.
Speaking on the Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, Stewart expressed confidence that Tierney would be keen on a Celtic comeback, citing his connection to the club and hunger to return to regular football.
“There has been so much rumours and chat about Kieran Tierney, with six months left on his contract. My gut is that Kieran Tierney would be up for going back to Celtic. I genuinely think he would. Could that happen in January? I wouldn’t discount it.
“The quality of Kieran Tierney on a free transfer? There are not many players like that who are available that also have a connection and know what the club is all about.
“As much as you want to go and find new talent, these guys are still young and hungry. Tierney is 27 so these are still young players that have got many, many good years ahead of them.”
Tierney’s time at Arsenal has become increasingly frustrating. Reduced to sporadic appearances, the Scottish international has struggled to cement a place in Arteta’s starting XI.
With Tierney now able to negotiate with clubs outside England from January 1, the door is open for a potential move.
While Celtic fans would welcome Tierney with open arms, the financial aspect remains a significant hurdle. Tierney’s wages at Arsenal are reportedly well beyond what Celtic typically offer, and even if a transfer fee is not required, matching his salary demands could be challenging.
However, it has also been suggested that KT would be willing to take a significant wage deduction to join the Hoops.
When asked recently about Tierney’s potential return, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who worked with the defender during his first spell at the club, remained non-committal but acknowledged the quality Tierney brings.
“We will never speak about a player, especially a young player that’s at another club,” Rodgers said.
The next few weeks will reveal whether Celtic can turn the growing speculation into a concrete deal.
