Kieran Tierney

What's Happening with Kieran Tierney: A Potential Celtic Return?

The football rumour mill is in full swing, with whispers of a potential return to Celtic for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney dominating headlines. The Scottish international, who made his name at Celtic Park before moving to the Premier League in 2019, is reportedly in talks to rejoin his former club in the upcoming January transfer window. This article delves into the verified news surrounding this story, providing context and analysis for fans on both sides of the border.

Official Coverage: Tierney's Potential Celtic Homecoming

The prospect of Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic is not just speculation; it's backed by concrete reports from reputable news outlets.

Arseblog News Report: Confirmation of Discussions

Arseblog News, citing the renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, has reported that "Kieran Tierney is discussing a potential return to Celtic." This is a significant development, indicating that negotiations are underway and a move is being actively considered. The report, published in January 2025, further highlights that Tierney, now 27 years old, could be on his way back to Glasgow.

Sky Sports Report: Celtic Initiates Negotiations

Sky Sports has also weighed in on the story, confirming that "Celtic are keen to resign the defender who left to join Arsenal in 2019." This report adds further weight to the rumour, stating that Celtic has initiated negotiations with the Gunners. Crucially, Sky Sports notes that Tierney is "in the last six months of his deal and has been told he can leave." This detail suggests that Arsenal are open to a sale, potentially facilitating a smoother return for the left-back.

Background Context: Tierney's Journey and Current Situation

While the official reports focus on the current negotiations, it's essential to understand the journey that has led Tierney to this point. Kieran Tierney, born on June 5, 1997, is a product of the Celtic youth system, making his first-team debut in April 2015. He quickly established himself as a key player, making 170 appearances before his move to Arsenal.

Tierney’s time at Arsenal has been mixed. While he's shown glimpses of his talent, injuries and competition for places have hampered his progress. Despite playing for a top Premier League side, he has not been able to consistently hold down a starting position. According to Transfermarkt, Tierney’s current market value stands at €10.00 million.

Furthermore, Arsenal's current stance, as reported by Sky Sports, indicates that they are willing to let him leave, making a return to Celtic a realistic possibility.

Additional Context:

• Previous Clubs: Prior to Arsenal, Tierney played for Celtic, showcasing his skills in the Scottish Premiership.
• Arsenal Debut & First Goal: He made his Arsenal debut against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup on September 24, 2019, and scored his first goal against Watford in the Premier League on July 26, 2020.
• Transfer History: Tierney moved from Celtic to Arsenal in August 2019 for a reported £25 million fee.

Note: While sources mention Tierney's transfer fee and contract situation, these details are not explicitly verified in the primary news reports and should be treated with caution.

Impact Analysis: What Tierney's Return Could Mean

Based on the verified information, the potential return of Kieran Tierney to Celtic would have a significant impact on both the player and the club.

• For Celtic: The acquisition of a player of Tierney's calibre would be a major boost. He brings experience from playing at the highest level in England and is known for his attacking threat from left-back, as well as his defensive capabilities. His return would undoubtedly strengthen Celtic's squad and provide a sense of familiarity and leadership within the team.
• For Tierney: A move back to Celtic could be a chance for him to reignite his career. Returning to his boyhood club, where he is loved by the fans, could provide him with the stability and confidence he needs to perform at his best. It would also be an opportunity to play regular first-team football, something he has struggled to achieve consistently at Arsenal.
• Fan Reaction: The Celtic faithful would undoubtedly welcome Tierney back with open arms. He is a popular figure among the supporters, and his return would be seen as a statement of intent from the club.

Future Implications: What Lies Ahead

The next steps in this saga will be crucial in determining whether Tierney’s homecoming becomes a reality. Here's what the verified reports suggest:

• Negotiations: The fact that negotiations are underway indicates that both parties are serious about the move. However, the transfer window is known for its unpredictable nature, and anything could happen in the coming weeks.
• Contract Status: Tierney's contract situation at Arsenal is a key factor, as he’s in the final six months of his deal. This could mean that Arsenal are more open to a sale at a reasonable price.
• Competition: While Celtic may be the frontrunners for his signature, it is possible that other clubs could enter the race for Tierney.

In conclusion, the potential return of Kieran Tierney to Celtic is a story that has captured the imagination of football fans across the UK. With verified news reports confirming that talks are underway, it appears that a move is a genuine possibility. This transfer could have a significant impact on both the player and the club, and the football world will be watching closely to see how this story unfolds.