Kieran Tierney will be a Celtic player again this summer. The Scotland defender has signed a pre-contract with the club and will officially join once his Arsenal contract ends at the end of June.
This move brings him back to the club where it all started for him. Tierney came through the youth system at Celtic and made his first-team debut under Ronny Deila back in 2015. Now, ten years later, he’s returning to play at Paradise once more.
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Tierney got a rare chance to start in Arsenal’s last game of the season yesterday. It was against Southampton at St Mary’s, and he made the most of it. He scored a goal in the 2-1 win, a perfect way to say goodbye to the club he has been at since 2019.
It was his 20th appearance this season, but he hasn’t played as much as he would have liked under Mikel Arteta in recent years. Even though he wasn’t always in the starting XI, Tierney stayed professional and gave his best whenever called upon.
After the match, Arteta spoke warmly and openly about Tierney. He praised the defender’s attitude and the part he played this season. His comments showed just how much Tierney was valued at the club—not just for what he did on the pitch, but also for the kind of person he was in the dressing room.
He said: (Arsenal FC), “He said it yesterday, I’m going to score on my last Arsenal match and he’s done it! Credit to him. It’s been a joy to work with him, a really special character. We wish him and his family all the best. The doors of this club are open for him.”
Back at Celtic, Tierney will link up with Brendan Rodgers, who managed him during his best spell at the club before his move to Arsenal. Who he’ll compete with for the left-back position remains to be seen, with Greg Taylor looking set to leave.
Soccer Football – Scottish Cup – Final – Aberdeen v Celtic – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – May 24, 2025 Celtic’s Greg Taylor and Celtic’s Daizen Maeda in action with Aberdeen’s Alexander Jensen REUTERS/Russell Cheyne
Tierney’s return gives Celtic more strength in defence and brings back a player who understands the club better than most.
More than just a strong signing, this is a homecoming. Tierney is a boyhood Celtic fan who gave everything during his first spell at the club.
Now he’s back to help the team again, and fans will be buzzing to see him wear the Hoops once more.
Tees for Tims - Jota Celtic