Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic has been given a strong backing by former Scotland and Arsenal striker Paul Dickov, who believes the left-back is making the right move after nearly six years away.
Tierney, who left Celtic for Arsenal in 2019 for a then-record fee, will rejoin the Hoops on a free transfer after a mixed spell in North London and a loan stint in La Liga with Real Sociedad. The 27-year-old has signed a four-year deal, providing Brendan Rodgers with a major boost ahead of the new season.
Soccer Football – Premier League – Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal – Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain – January 25, 2025 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reacts as Kieran Tierney waits to be substituted on Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR ‘LIVE’ SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Despite a lack of consistent starts in recent years, Dickov believes Tierney will return to his best at Celtic after struggling with injuries over the years.
He said: (10bet), “Yeah, I do. I think Kieran is a wonderful player. He’s been so unlucky with the injuries that he’s had.
“But going back to Celtic, sometimes people say you should never go back, but I think this is just the right move and a match that’s going to really work out again.
“Kieran will feel as if he’s got a point to prove. He’s obviously going back to the club that he loves. And I really hope after the setbacks that he’s had over the last few years, because when he first went to Arsenal it looked as if he was set.
“And now, although he’s leaving, Mikel Arteta has been using him to see out games.”
Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic Training – Lennoxtown Training Centre, Glasgow, Britain – October 30, 2017 Celtic’s Kieran Tierney and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during training Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Tierney’s arrival will inject further competition at left-back, with Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp currently occupying that role. However, neither player has signed a new deal with the club, and both are set to depart at the end of the season.
With Champions League qualifiers looming in August and Brendan Rodgers beginning to reshape his squad, Tierney’s return could prove pivotal—provided he can stay fit and recapture his top form.
A fully fit Kieran Tierney is arguably one of the best left-backs in the world. If he can regain full fitness, he will be a massive boost for Celtic’s Champions League hopes, potentially taking the Hoops up a level. Even domestically, his presence would bring added quality to the left side of defence, strengthening the squad in a key area.
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