Kieran Tierney’s return was a blockbuster signing for Celtic.
The left-back, who became a fan hero after breaking through the club’s academy, enjoyed a stellar rise at Celtic Park before departing for Arsenal in 2019.
Despite having his moments for the Gunners, Tierney didn’t get a fair run at it due to injuries. This summer, the time came for him to reunite with Brendan Rodgers.
He arrived to replace Greg Taylor, who departed for Greece on a free transfer after himself replacing Tierney six years ago. We’ve come full circle.
Many saw Tierney as an upgrade on Taylor given his pedigree for club and country – but for one Celtic legend, this hasn’t been the case.
Chris Sutton gives Kieran Tierney Celtic verdict
The aforementioned injury issues haven’t gone away, causing Tierney to struggle to complete 90 minutes since his Parkhead return.
After being a bit-part player in his final season in London, the 28-year-old has struggled with becoming a full-time starter again.
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Marcelo Saracchi’s arrival has certainly lightened the load, and Chris Sutton has been discussing that when writing in his column for the Daily Record, raising doubts over whether Tierney has been an upgrade on Taylor so far.
Sutton said: “Marcelo Saracchi looks a neat and tidy addition – and it will take some of the stress off Kieran Tierney.
“There’s still a lot I don’t understand around the Tierney situation and I get why people are wondering what’s going on around not managing to play 90 minutes yet.
“You’ve got to say he’s not yet an upgrade on Greg Taylor but I still think he’ll come good and become an excellent signing.
“Saracchi is a safe bet to back him up but if he’s going to be needed to play on the right – especially in Europe – then Tierney is going to have to play full matches sooner rather than later.”
After a summer of debate around Tierney and Taylor, could Marcelo Saracchi be the answer?
Will Marcelo Saracchi become Celtic’s first choice left-back?
Marcelo Saracchi was much-needed cover for Celtic when signed from Boca Juniors.
The Uruguayan, who has also played for the likes of RB Leipzig, Galatasaray and River Plate, impressed in his first Hoops start at Rugby Park.
Saracchi set up Daizen Maeda’s opener with a pinpoint delivery in the 2-1 win, showing pace, aggression and composure in his performance.
With the side in Premier Sports Cup action this weekend, it remains to be seen whether the loanee can continue keeping Tierney out of the starting eleven.
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