‘Without a doubt’ – Chris Sutton says 27-year-old ace would be ‘a real feather in the cap’ for Celtic

Celtic were related with a move for Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney in the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old left-back was a hero at Parkhead before signing his move to Arsenal in 2019 for £25m journalist fee.

Chris Sutton says Tierney would be a “real feather in the cap” if Celtic can persuade him to move to Parkhead next month.

Popular football expert adds he has ‘no doubt’ there will be plenty of interest from clubs in England and abroad and that rich clubs can beat Celtic in the race.

Sutton wrote for the Daily Record: “I can understand the fans’ enthusiasm. It would be a real feather in the cap if they could persuade him to return.

“Tierney is a quality player – if he is fully fit. This is the big question of recent years.”

Will Kieran Tierney be a good signing for Celtic?

Brendan Rodgers has refused to rule out a move for Tierney in January, but luring him away from the Emirates won’t be easy.

Celtic will look to strengthen their squad in the January window, especially if they qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Let’s take a look at some of the main issues surrounding this decision.

Tierney’s contract situation and chances for Celtic

The left-back has a contract at Arsenal until 2025. This means he will be a free agent at the end of the season.

This also means that several clubs could jump at the chance to sign him and they could offer better deals than Celtic can offer.

If he leaves now (i.e. in January), Celtic will have to pay a pittance, but they will still have a better chance of luring him.

His wages could be a big problem, and the player may have to take a pay cut to secure a move to Celtic Park if he wants to return home.

Tierney will return home – and revive his career

The Scottish defender has progressed through Celtic’s youth ranks.

He made 170 appearances for the Bboys and won four Scottish Premiership titles.

Tierney took his game to a whole new level under Rodgers (during his first spell), which led to him joining Arsenal.

His career has stalled in recent years. He was loaned to Real Sociedad, a move that didn’t work out for him.

He still has a lot of football left in him, and no one can reignite his career better than the manager who made him the player he is today.

If he ignores the lure of big salaries and concentrates on getting his career back on track, his heart should lead him to Glasgow.

Celtic to resolve left-back problem

Greg Taylor has been a brilliant signing for Celtic. He is a key player under Rodgers but doubts remain over his long-term future.

He has not yet signed a new deal and will become a free agent next summer.

Although he has been superb for the Bhoys in the Premiership, many experts are skeptical about whether he is good enough to play for a Champions League club.

Alex Valle will return to Barcelona this summer and a new signing is needed.

In terms of quality, Tierney is far superior to what Celtic currently have.

Major questions to consider

Obviously, the financial part is a real headache. Celtic cannot afford to pay the same amount Tierney earns at Arsenal.

If other English clubs come up with a lucrative offer, the Bhoys will not be able to compete.

Sutton rightly pointed out that in such a scenario, “it could become a real headache for the player at this point.”

Then there’s the question of fitness. The last two years have been traumatic for him and he needs to play regularly to get back to his best form. It’s a big gamble.