Kieran Tierney’s departure from Parkhead would be many supporter’s worst nightmare, and the youngster has opened up on that possibility.
Nearly two weeks ago, Brendan Rodgers swapped Celtic for Leicester City. It all happened in dramatic circumstances, and left a bitter taste in the mouths of many.
Inevitably, this has led to speculation regarding Celtic players joining them. One of them is young superstar Tierney, who recently signed a new six-year contract back in October 2017.
The link and possible departure would likely strike fear into supporters. And, perhaps worryingly, Tierney didn’t particularly shrug off the rumours in the Daily Record this morning.
“There are going to be rumours like that. I’ve seen and heard them as well. I’ve been on the end of speculation for a few transfer windows so it’s nothing different for me. It doesn’t take my mind off Celtic.
“My pals ask me too and there will be links with a lot of Celtic players. It’s natural because it’s his old club but it’s nothing I know of.
“We thank him for all he has done as he has helped me become a much better player and professional. The standards he set changed football up here. What we achieved over the time he was here was crazy but there is no point in dwelling on the past. We need to look forward.”
Similar comments to Rodgers?
Again, it’s worryingly not overly-committal. Rodgers came out with the same kind of rhetoric about only focusing on Celtic and not worrying about outside speculation. Then he departed for Leicester.
Fortunately, the decision is in Celtic’s hands only for any summer bids for star players. The likes of Tierney, Callum McGregor, and James Forrest are all tied down on new contracts. Any clubs that wish to come calling will have to flash plenty of cash at the Hoops.
As it stands, however, Celtic already have a rebuilding job needing done. Four of the club’s defenders have contracts running out, whilst another two are heading back to their parent clubs. That’s six stoppers Celtic have to potentially replace in the summer. These also involve the likes of Dedryck Boyata, Filip Benkovic, Jeremy Toljan, and Mikael Lustig.
Adding more key players to that wouldn’t be ideal. Celtic have enough work needing done already without selling key stars.
Fortunately, Tierney has never struck anyone as the kind of player that would push a move through. Hopefully that is indeed the case in the summer, considering the same could’ve been said for Rodgers.
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