It has been the worst-kept secret that Kieran Tierney will don Celtic’s colours again.
But before Tierney returns to his boyhood club, he will play his final game for Arsenal against already-relegated Southampton on Sunday at St Mary’s.
The final round of Premier League fixtures will be concluded, with Arsenal set to finish second after missing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool.
Added to that, Arsenal reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, before being knocked out by the dominant Paris Saint-Germain.
During that period, Tierney has played a sporadic role under Mikel Arteta, including coming off the bench for his side’s final home game of the season against Newcastle United last Sunday to a standing ovation.
But it’s not long until Celtic get to see one of their own return home.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
What is a ‘pity’ about Kieran Tierney ahead of move from Arsenal to Celtic
The fact that Celtic received £25 million for Tierney in 2019, and are now getting him for nothing, proves the outstanding work the recruitment team continue to do.
MORE CELTIC STORIES
Andy Walker noted how Tierney has been a ‘big favourite’ in north London, but thinks it’s a ‘pity’ that his injuries have limited him so much.
But the former Celtic striker made it clear on Go Radio that the Scotland international will be a ‘ magnificent signing’ for the champions of Scotland.
“He is a big favourite there,” said Walker. “It’s a pity. You always refer to the number of injuries that he has had that have kept him back.
“But, all being well, I think he will be a magnificent signing for Celtic next season.”
Tierney’s injury history at Arsenal
Tierney suffered a hamstring injury for Scotland at Euro 2024, and that kept him out until December.
He has been fit and available since then, but Arteta has mainly used him from the bench, and at times, not even brought him on.
But overall, this is what Tierney’s injury record looks like at Arsenal (and whilst on loan at Real Sociedad).
Season Injury Club/Country Games missed
24/25 Hamstring injury Scotland 18
23/24 Adductor injury Real Sociedad 2
23/24 Hamstring injury Real Sociedad 6
23/24 Hamstring injury Real Sociedad 13
21/22 Knee surgery Arsenal 14
21/22 Ankle problems Arsenal 3
20/21 Knee injury Arsenal 8
20/21 Knee injury Arsenal 6
20/21 Groin injury Arsenal 2
19/20 Shoulder injury Arsenal 19