I occasionally meet Celtic fans who “have heard KT is coming back this summer”. Kieran Tierney is the best left back Celtic have had in 40 years, possibly longer. We will not sign a better left back this summer, or in any window for a long time. Still, the reasons why he will not be seen in green and white hoops anytime soon are many.
He has two years on his Arsenal contract, which is worth at least three times what Celtic would be able to offer. Does anyone seriously think he would walk away from what is the majority of what he is likely to earn for the rest of his life?
After a successful loan spell at Real Sociedad, Arsenal are likely to want another loan fee, or transfer fee, to move him again. Kieran only turned 27 this month, he should have six years in his legs, but he is not a player who will appreciate in value. His next permanent club will expect to write off any transfer fee to zero by the time he leaves.
Then there is the real reason. We sold Kieran with known injury problems. There was no guarantee he would pass his Arsenal medical, it was astonishing that Celtic received £24m for a talented player with such an injury history.
Even if Kieran took a play cut, down to the level of the other senior players, and Arsenal were happy to move him on for a token, would you want a big wage, a place in the squad and our hopes for the left back position hanging on a player who will inevitably miss significant amounts of football?
Love him, though I do, Kieran would be nowhere near my Celtic plans and I doubt very much anyone at Lennoxtown thinks differently. The pain we saw in his face last night reflects more than just his hamstring injury.