Kieran Tierney, the 27-year-old Arsenal defender, is poised to make an emotional return to Celtic, with Brendan Rodgers confirming that he will join on a free transfer in the summer as they try to get him on loan this month.
Speaking ahead of Celtic’s Champions League game against Aston Villa, Rodgers was asked if Alex Valle’s return to Barcelona could see them try to sign Tierney this month.
“Ideally, it would, but at the moment he’s still an Arsenal player,” he said.
“It will definitely take place in the summer, but if we can do it beforehand, then great.”
The Scotland international has struggled for game time under Mikel Arteta in recent seasons, appearing only five times this season and spending much of his time on the bench for Arsenal’s recent Premier League matches.
Tierney’s departure, whether it comes this month or in the summer, will be the end of a London chapter that began in 2019 when Arsenal signed him for £25 million. Despite becoming a fan favourite, his tenure has been marred by injuries and limited opportunities.
Arsenal, dealing with defensive injuries, has kept Tierney in the matchday squad but they opted to not exercise the option to extend his contract beyond this summer.
The versatile left-back, who reportedly turned down interest from Leicester City, Brentford, West Ham, and clubs in Italy, Germany, and France, has made it clear that his heart is set on a return to Celtic Park, where he made his professional debut.
Tierney’s willingness to take a significant pay cut—reportedly up to £3 million—demonstrates his determination to reunite with his boyhood club.
Arsenal stands to benefit from shedding his £5.72 million annual salary (£110k per week) from their wage bill.