Celtic will have to wait until the summer to welcome Kieran Tierney back to the club after Arsenal decided to block an early return before the January transfer window closes on Monday.
Brendan Rodgers confirmed earlier this week that the left-back had agreed to rejoin Celtic at the end of the season once his Arsenal contract expires. However, the Hoops boss had hoped to bring him back early, with talks ongoing over a potential loan deal before the deadline.
That plan has now been shut down by Arsenal, with the Premier League club unwilling to let Tierney leave this month due to their need for defensive cover.
While disappointed, Rodgers has acknowledged that a January return was always unlikely, telling Sky Sports ahead of Celtic’s trip to Motherwell:
“No movement that I’m aware of. That has always looked like that will be the summer. So no more on that.”
With Greg Taylor the only natural left-back in the squad, Celtic may now need to explore alternative short-term cover, with Tyrell Malacia of Manchester United linked in recent days.
The deadline has been extended until Monday, so clubs do have that extra few days to get some signings over the line.
For now, though, Celtic fans will have to wait a little longer for Tierney’s long-awaited return to Paradise while the club gets a short-term option through the gates.
