NafisaAfter announcing that Kieran Tierney will return to the club following the expiration of his Arsenal contract this summer, Celtic have reportedly finalised terms to complete another budget-friendly signing.
Celtic bring back Kieran Tierney:
Six years after opting to leave Scotland in pursuit of a switch to Arsenal, Tierney has signed a new deal and is set to return to Celtic once the summer transfer market opens. The left-back has concluded a turbulent spell with the Gunners — one largely overshadowed by recurring injuries rather than consistently impressing as a dynamic full-back in North London.
Kieran Tierney’s injury history (via Transfermarkt)
Matches missed:
- 2019/20 – 19
- 2020/21 – 19
- 2021/22 – 17
- 2022/23 – N/A
- 2023/24 – 21
- 2024/25 – 18
Despite sitting out a combined 94 fixtures due to injury during his time with Arsenal and on loan at Real Sociedad, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta still highlighted Tierney’s influence within the North London squad.
The Spaniard told reporters after the defender scored in his farewell appearance: “He said it yesterday, I’m going to score on my last Arsenal match and he’s done it. So credit to him. A special thank you to him. He’s been part of this journey and he’s won with me. It’s true that he went to Sociedad for a few months, but it’s been a joy to work with him.
“A really special character and we wish him and his family all the very best. The doors of this club are open for him. He’s someone very, very liked at the club, in the dressing room and we want to wish him the best.”
Although Celtic may be wary of Tierney’s injury-prone background, they’re more familiar than most with his abilities and will be eager to see him rediscover top form back on home soil. It appears this summer could bring a string of savvy signings for the Hoops, with another deal now reportedly struck.
Celtic agree to sign Doohan – Sky Sports:
As per Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic have now secured a deal to acquire Ross Doohan from Aberdeen on a free move when his current contract concludes this summer.
The shot-stopper is expected to come in as a replacement for third-choice keeper Scott Bain, who will be allowed to depart the reigning Scottish Premiership champions during the next window.
While Doohan might not attract the same attention as Tierney, he could prove to be a valuable addition in his own right. The 27-year-old drew strong commendation from Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie in December when he stepped up from his reserve duties.
Shinnie told reporters after a close loss to Celtic: “I thought he was brilliant. He has waited a long time to get this chance. Unfortunate to lose Dimi obviously but those moments give other people opportunities and I thought Ross did brilliantly when called upon.”
Nafisa
