Kieran Tierney may have made his final appearance for Arsenal on Sunday night, coming off the bench late in their 1-0 victory over Newcastle at the Emirates. The crowd responded with a loud ovation and chants of his name, a fitting tribute to a player who has consistently given his all during his time in North London.
The match was Arsenal’s penultimate fixture of the season, and the win secured second place in the Premier League. But the spotlight was firmly on Tierney. His brief cameo felt like a quiet farewell, laden with meaning. He is expected to rejoin Celtic this summer after signing a pre-contract agreement, with the move becoming official when his Arsenal deal expires in June.
Tierney originally left Celtic in 2019 in a £25 million transfer that made him the most expensive Scottish player at the time. He quickly endeared himself to Arsenal fans with his determination, aggressive defending, and relentless work rate. However, a combination of injuries and increased competition for places saw him fall out of favour. He spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad and has seen limited action this term.
Celtic made an attempt to bring him back in January, hoping to strengthen their Champions League campaign. Manager Brendan Rodgers was keen on the reunion, and fans were eager to see him return. However, Arsenal opted to retain him until season’s end, despite his limited role—much to the frustration of the Celtic support.
The decision reportedly came from Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager and a former Rangers player, a detail that didn’t sit well with some Celtic fans. Many believed Tierney was ready to return and that Arsenal should have allowed the move to go through.
Arteta commented to talkSPORT:
“With Kieran, he had a very special circumstance in how he had to come back and reintegrate after four months out. He’s been fantastic with the squad.
He’s contributed in every possible way, and I’m really grateful for that.
There are a few players in the dressing room who may have worn the Arsenal shirt at the Emirates for the last time. I’ve experienced that, and I want to be close to them—I’m thankful for all they’ve done.”
Tierney’s return to Celtic is a major boost. The club has struggled to fill the void he left at left-back, particularly in European competitions. He knows the club and its demands intimately, and supporters will welcome him back with open arms. Now 27, Tierney brings valuable experience from both the Premier League and La Liga.
While Greg Taylor has done his best to step up, Tierney offers a greater attacking edge. With Taylor likely to depart, the Hoops appear to be making a straight swap in the position.
Celtic fans will need to wait just a little longer—but Tierney’s return to Parkhead is almost here. The prodigal son is on his way back to Paradise.
