Celtic have been linked with a move for Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old left-back was a hero at Parkhead before he sealed a move to Arsenal in 2019 for a reporter fee of £25 million.
Chris Sutton says that Tierney would be a “real feather in the cap” if Celtic can persuade him to move to Parkhead next month.
The popular football pundit adds that he has “no doubts” that there will be a lot of interest from clubs in England and abroad and that rich clubs can beat Celtic in the race.
Sutton wrote for the Daily Record: “I can understand the excitement among fans. It would be a real feather in the cap if they can persuade him to return.
“Tierney is a quality player – if he’s fully fit. That’s the big question after the last few years.”
Will Kieran Tierney be a good signing for Celtic?
Brendan Rodgers refused to rule out a move for Tierney in January, but it won’t be easy to lure him away from the Emirates.
Celtic will look to bolster their squad in the January window, especially if they progress to the knock-out rounds of the Champions League.
Let us take a look at some of the major issues surrounding the move.
Tierney’s contract situation and chances for Celtic
The left-back has a contract at Arsenal until 2025. This means that he will be a free agent at the end of the season.
It also means several clubs could jump at the opportunity to sign him, making it difficult for Celtic.
If he leaves now, Celtic may have to pay a measly fee, but they can still lure him away.
His wages could be a big issue, and the player may need to take a pay cut to secure a move to Celtic Park if he wants to return home.
Tierney will return home – and reignite his career
The Scotland defender progressed through the youth ranks at Celtic, and he is loved by the fans.
He made 170 appearances for the Bhoys and won four Scottish Premiership titles.
Tierney took his game to a whole new level under Rodgers (in his first stint), which led him to move to Arsenal.
His career has stalled in the last few years. He was loaned to Real Sociedad, a move that didn’t work out.
He has plenty of football left in him, and no one can better reignite his career than the manager who made him the player he is today.
If he ignores the lure of big wages and focuses on regaining his career, his heart should lead him to Glasgow.
Celtic will solve their left-back issue
Greg Taylor has been a brilliant signing for Celtic, but doubts remain over his long-term future.
He has yet to sign a new deal and will become a free agent next summer.
While he has been superb for the Bhoys in the Premiership, many pundits are sceptical about whether he is good enough to play for a Champions League club.
Alex Valle will return to Barcelona in the summer, and a new signing is required.
In terms of quality, Tierney is far superior to what Celtic have at the moment.
Major issues that need to be considered
Obviously, the financial part is a major headache. Celtic cannot afford to pay on the same scale as Tierney is earning at Arsenal.
So, if other English clubs can come up with a lucrative offer, the Bhoys won’t be able to compete.
Sutton rightly points out that “it might become a heart over head job at that point for the player.”
Then, there is the issue of fitness. The last two years have been traumatic for him, and he needs to be playing regularly to get back to his best shape. It is a big gamble.