Kieran Tierney to Celtic is looking increasingly likely, but his injury woes are there for all to see…
KT with Brendan Rodgers
Tierney attended a Celtic FC Foundation event in London last week, seen here with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers. Photo Celtic FC
It has been widely reported that Kieran Tierney will become a free agent next summer after Arsenal declined to take up the option of an extra year on the Scotland international.
If that is the case, then the former Celtic star will be free to talk to any interested clubs outwith England come the 1st January 2025.
That is bound to interest a few clubs, most notably Celtic, but is any proposed move for the left back that clear cut?
Yes he’s a popular figure amongst the supporters, and Brendan Rodgers is certainly an admirer, but KT is well known to be injury prone, and that seemed to be shown yet again on Wednesday night in Arsenal’s League Cup clash with Crystal Palace.
Kiernan Tierney
Kieran Tierney of Arsenal breaks away from Daniel Podence of Woverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Emirates Stadium on February 24, 2022. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
The Scotland international was named in the Gunners starting lineup and he put in a decent shift before going off yet again in the 70th minute. It looked like an injury but he later got the all-clear as he was just suffering from tiredness after playing in his first game since his injury in the ill-fated Scotland campaign at Euro 2024.
No one is doubting that KT would be a superb signing especially on a free transfer, but the worry is that he is prone to injury, and more so than ever as the years go by.
Kieran Tierney
Scotland’s defender Kieran Tierney (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)
He wouldn’t cost anything regarding a transfer fee, but he would command a hefty salary, and it’s only right that we question his frailties. That’s a judgement for Celtic to take and that will all be assessed. KT is rumoured to be on £120k per week at Arsenal but that kind of money will end when he leaves Arsenal.
The player is reportedly open to taking the cut in wages to fit into Celtic’s wage structure but he will still be among our top earners.
Greg Taylor in action
Greg Taylor in action during the Premier Sports Cup Final victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star
Greg Taylor is yet to commit to a new deal and he too will be free to speak to clubs on 1st January.
Alex Valle is loving life at Celtic and will await Barcelona’s input on where they see his future come the summer before making his mind up on staying at Celtic – if there’s an offer on the table.
Alex Valle
Alex Valle with the Premier Sports Cup after Celtic’s victory over theRangers on 15 December 2024 at Hampden Park. Photo Kenny Ramsay
So left-back is the main priority for the January transfer window and Brendan Rodgers might just look to the tried and tested and bring KT back up the road. It would be a move with high potential gains but not inconsiderable risks. Is it a good deal?
For me my heart yells yes but my head worries. What do you think?
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Kiernan Tierney with Brendan Rodgers