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Celtic have confirmed the return of Kieran Tierney, with the Scotland international rejoining his boyhood club on a five-year contract following the expiration of his deal with Arsenal.
The 28-year-old left-back, a product of Celtic’s youth academy, has signed a deal running until 2030, marking a major boost for the Scottish Premiership champions. Tierney’s homecoming, long anticipated by fans, follows a pre-contract agreement reached earlier in 2025 despite strong interest from clubs across Europe, including Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, Sevilla, and Everton.
Ultimately, Tierney’s heart remained in Glasgow. The defender made 170 appearances and won 10 major trophies, including three consecutive domestic trebles, during his first spell with the Hoops between 2014 and 2019.
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After leaving Celtic for Arsenal in 2019 in a then-record £25 million move, Tierney went on to make 144 appearances for the Gunners. He lifted the FA Cup in 2020 and added two Community Shields to his silverware collection. However, injuries and increased competition limited his involvement in recent seasons, including a loan spell at Real Sociedad during the 2023/24 campaign. Arsenal opted not to renew his contract, paving the way for a free transfer back to Parkhead.
Arsenal Kieran Tierney
Arsenal Kieran Tierney
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who previously worked with Tierney during his first stint at the club, hailed the defender’s return. “We are thrilled to welcome Kieran back to Celtic,” Rodgers said. “He’s a talented, high-quality player with Celtic in his blood. His experience will be a massive asset as we aim to compete strongly both domestically and in Europe.”
Speaking to Celtic’s official website, an emotional Tierney shared his joy at coming home: “To be here with the Celtic strip on again feels amazing. Everybody’s known for a few months, but now it’s real. I’m so motivated to help bring more success to our fans.”
Tierney’s return was also marked by a warm reception from supporters during Scotland’s recent friendly against Iceland at Hampden Park, where he earned his 50th international cap despite a 3–1 defeat.
I wish I was in Glasgow… 🎶💚 pic.twitter.com/8s8OEwgDlu
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) June 10, 2025
The timing of Tierney’s arrival could prove significant for Celtic, who are strengthening their squad ahead of another Champions League campaign. His signing also raises questions over the future of current left-back Greg Taylor, whose contract is set to expire this summer.
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Former teammate Colin Kazim-Richards, who played alongside Tierney in 2016, called the move “inevitable,” telling the Daily Record: “Nothing would have stopped Kieran returning to Celtic one day. It’s his home.”
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn added to the praise, telling the Sunday Post: “He’s an unbelievable footballer, and Celtic is his club. He’ll bring invaluable experience.”
Tierney’s final act in an Arsenal shirt was a fitting farewell. On May 25, 2025, he scored in a 2–1 win over Southampton, a goal he had predicted to manager Mikel Arteta the day before.
“He said, ‘I’m going to score in my last Arsenal match,’ and he did it,” Arteta revealed. The goal was met with a standing ovation from the Emirates crowd, a testament to Tierney’s enduring popularity in North London.