It would be a “real statement” if Celtic managed to bring Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney back to Scotland, according to former manager Neil Lennon.

There have been some reports suggesting that the former Hoops player could return to Parkhead on loan. However, Lennon says that, while re-signing the left-back would be massive for the club, there are big obstacles that could prevent it from happening. 1) Other teams will be interested in Tierney and 2) his salary would be a big issue:

“It’s interesting. I’m sure there will be interest in him not only from Premier League clubs but abroad as well. We have to be realistic about this. I think it’s a long shot. On top of that, you have to think of his wages. If he was to move on loan to Celtic the club would have to pay quite a considerable contribution as well towards that too. At the minute it seems way off to me but you just never know. If it’s what Kieran wants to do then it could be possible.”

“In recent times, Celtic have generally only taken players on loan if they can secure an option to buy. Kieran is worth a lot of money. We sold him for £25m a few years ago and I’m sure he’s worth more than that now to Arsenal. But would Celtic be reluctant to do a deal if Kieran is keen? No. If you have a quality player like that and he’s available then you would do it. He’s familiar with the club and knows the workings of the players and of course the manager from previous. It would be a real statement of intent if Celtic were to sign him.”

Tierney is earning around £110,000 a week with the Gunners and there is no way that Celtic could pay that sort of wage unless, as Lennon says, Arsenal are willing to subsidise it.

It’s hard to see Celtic bringing Tierney back this summer

While the player would certainly be keen on returning to his boyhood club in the future, this may not be the time in his career to come back to Celtic Park.

Admittedly, Tierney does want more game time, and a loan move could be something that he is open to, but you do feel that the Hoops would be priced out of a deal.

There will be plenty of other teams looking to secure the Scottish international’s services. While Newcastle’s interest has seemingly cooled in recent weeks, the Magpies could still make a bid before the end of the summer. Tierney’s return to Celtic may happen at some point but it probably won’t be this year.