NafisaBrendan Rodgers says Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney is ‘excited’ to return to Celtic and ‘champing at the bit’ to play for his former side once more.
Tierney departed his childhood club to join Arsenal in a £25million move back in 2019, and the 27-year-old is approaching the conclusion of his sixth campaign in north London.
The Scotland international made a strong impression early on with Arsenal and quickly became a fans’ favourite at the Emirates, but recurring injury issues have hampered his time in the capital.
After a stop-start loan stint with La Liga side Real Sociedad last season, Tierney appeared set to depart Arsenal in the January transfer window, with Celtic monitoring a potential swoop.
However, the Gunners prevented Tierney from heading back north, and the defender has since gone on to feature 20 times in all competitions during the 2024/25 season.
Still, Tierney is anticipated to leave Arsenal when his deal expires next month, and the Scottish title-holders are optimistic about striking a deal for their ex-captain.
‘I haven’t spoken to him a lot of late,’ Celtic head coach Rodgers told The Daily Record when asked about the prospect of being reunited with Tierney in Glasgow.
‘We’ve exchanged messages and stuff, but I know his love of the club and excitement to come back here.
‘So, yes, I’m sure he’s champing at the bit to get back.’
As Celtic continue to cast a wide net for new signings ahead of the summer transfer period, Rodgers remains intent on preserving the ‘Scottish core’ within the squad.
‘I think it’s very important,’ he added.
‘I think whatever league you’re in, if you’re in Spain, having a Spanish core would be important. Italy, an Italian core.
‘For me, it’s absolutely key.
Tierney joined Celtic when he was just seven years old, and Rodgers believes that such homegrown players are essential to upholding and nurturing a club’s identity.
‘The boys that have come through Celtic here, they understand what this club’s about,’ the former Liverpool and Swansea boss continued.
‘A lot of them have been here since young guys, and they’ve come through, they’re brought up in the values of Celtic.
‘They are really pivotal to the culture of this club. But also the likes of Greg, the other Scottish boys as well, not just the guys that have come through here. I think having the Scottish core here is key to your success.’
Nafisa
