Brendan Rodgers Plans for Tierney’s Return, Valle Departs

Cataleya

January 29, 2025 · 1 min read

Brendan Rodgers Plans for Tierney’s Return, Valle Departs
Football | January 29, 2025
Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Kieran Tierney will become a Celtic player by the summer. (Image: Getty)

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Kieran Tierney will join Celtic from Arsenal this summer at the latest with negotiations ongoing to potentially bring the 27-year-old Scotland defender to the Scottish champions in January. Tierney’s contract with Arsenal expires in the summer and Celtic are eager to secure his return. Rodgers also confirmed that Alex Valle’s loan from Barcelona is being terminated and he will not play for Celtic again.

Valle a left-back has made 19 appearances for the club but has mainly been a backup to Greg Taylor. With Tierney’s potential arrival, Valle’s future has been uncertain and Italian club Como has shown interest in him. Celtic are also looking to replace striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who was sold to Rennes. Rodgers admitted he is disappointed to lose Kyogo, calling him a “real iconic player” for the club. However, he acknowledged that Kyogo wanted to leave, and the club had to find the best solution.

In Celtic’s upcoming Champions League match against Aston Villa, the team will be missing both Kyogo and Daizen Maeda, who is suspended. Additionally, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Scotland winger James Forrest will also be unavailable due to injury. Brendan Rodgers explained that Carter-Vickers had a minor injury and with Celtic already through to the play-offs, there’s no need to risk him.

Rodgers remains focused on finding replacements and providing opportunities for other players, despite the loss of key players like Kyogo. The team will continue to push forward, aiming to perform well in the Champions League play-offs.