Return to Paradise: Tierney is a high risk gamble the club can't afford to get wrong
Kieran Tierney is back at Paradise. After five years away, the Scottish left-back has returned to Celtic on a free transfer following his Arsenal departure, and it is music to the ears of the fans.
Kieran Tierney’s return to Celtic Park should be cause for celebration. The academy graduate, first team star, and fan favourite is back after five years away, signing a five year deal following his departure from Arsenal at the end of last season.
On paper, it’s a dream scenario - bringing home a player who understands the club, has elite experience, and bleeds green and white. But beneath the romanticism lies a serious concern: Celtic have been here before, and it didn’t end well.
The Ghost of James McCarthy Looms Large
In August 2021, Celtic handed James McCarthy, a four -year contract despite clear signs of physical decline. The move backfired spectacularly with McCarthy making just six starts and 21 substitute appearances before his deal was terminated a year early in 2024.
Now, the club is taking a similar gamble with Tierney. His injury record since leaving Celtic is alarming - 563 days injured - resulting in missing 100 games for club and country total. If Tierney struggles, Celtic could be stuck with an expensive asset who spends more time in the treatment room than on the pitch - and with Greg Taylor and Jeffrey Schlupp departing the club who do we turn to then? Liam Scales?
Why Tierney’s Return Is Still a Smart Move… With Caveats
Don’t get me wrong, there’s no denying Tierney’s quality. At his best, he’s a world class left back - a leader, a warrior, and a player who elevates those around him. His return certainly makes sense when you consider the bigger picture - he’s played in the Premier League, La Liga, and the Champions League. That is invaluable experience for Celtic when it comes to our own European adventures.
Few players command the adoration Tierney does. His presence alone will boost morale. And he is a natural leader and with Callum McGregor not getting any younger, Tierney’s voice in the dressing room will go a long way.
But none of that matters if he can’t stay fit.
The Rodgers Factor - Will He Trust Youth as Backup?
With Greg Taylor’s departure, Tierney is Celtic’s undisputed first choice left back, but what happens if or when he gets injured?
The worrying reality is that Brendan Rodgers isn’t known for promoting youth. Will Rodgers pay over the odds to keep Schlupp at the club - a player who hasn’t really been a consistent performer during his short loan spell? Will he dip into the transfer market to purchase a project player or another player struggling for game time at his parent club? or will he give a young left-back a chance? There’s also a real risk of Rodgers slotting Liam Scales in at left back!
Celtic’s squad planning must account for Tierney’s fragility. If they don’t, they’ll be left scrambling to find a replacement at short notice.
Tierney is a Calculated Gamble That Must Pay Off
Tierney’s return is undeniably exciting. But the parallels with McCarthy are impossible to ignore, but if he can stay fit then he could make a huge difference not only domestically but in Europe - where we were found wanting at left back.
Celtic must manage his minutes carefully, don’t rush him back from knocks. They need a proper backup plan in case he does pick up an injury. Ultimately, Celtic need to avoid over-reliance on him, because history suggests he won’t play 40 games a season.
Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst
Tierney’s heart has always been at Celtic - despite the manner of his departure to Arsenal - but heart’s don’t win trophies - fit, available players do.
I really do hope that his return is a masterstroke and that we reap the reward sticking two fingers up to Arteta in the process.
What do you think? Is Tierney’s return worth the risk, should Celtic have been more cautious with the length of his contract? Let me know in the comments!