With the Scottish Cup final now in the rear-view mirror, attention among Celtic supporters has quickly shifted to the summer and the long-awaited return of Kieran Tierney.
The 27-year-old’s comeback was quietly confirmed in the club’s interim financial report in February, stating: “In addition, we extended the contract of Kasper Schmeichel and entered into a pre-contract agreement that will see Kieran Tierney return to Celtic in July 2025.”
Tierney’s Arsenal contract expires on June 30th, clearing the way for the Scotland international to officially rejoin the club at the beginning of July. He’s expected to be back at Lennoxtown before pre-season training gets underway.
The move marks a significant coup for Brendan Rodgers, bringing back a player who left for a then-record £25 million fee in 2019. Since then, Tierney has had spells in the English Premier League and La Liga, on loan at Real Sociedad. Now, he returns to the club where he made his name, adding proven quality and experience to the left side of defence.
His arrival also raises fresh questions about the future of Greg Taylor. The 27-year-old has yet to agree terms on a new deal and, following Saturday’s defeat to Aberdeen at Hampden, may have pulled on the Celtic shirt for the final time.
Rodgers addressed the situation briefly post-match, admitting nothing is settled but refusing to rule out an extension. The manager said that the door remains open for an extension.
Taylor has been a regular under both Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou, but with Tierney coming in, the picture is beginning to change.
Celtic fans will welcome Tierney’s return with open arms. A boyhood fan and former academy product, he’ll bring drive and leadership to a squad looking to build on another double-winning season.
