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Breakdown of the Failed Celtic-Tierney Transfer Negotiations
Celtic’s negotiations to sign Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney ‘didn’t get very far’ due to the Gunners ‘playing hardball’ with the Bhoys.
The 27-year-old Tierney has fallen out of favor under Mikel Arteta and has had a limited role for the Gunners so far this season.
Celtic had hoped to bring the defender back to Celtic Park, and Tierney was also keen on an early return to Scotland. However, the negotiations between the two clubs did not progress as smoothly as expected.
The Sticking Point: Tierney’s Wages
According to reports, the main sticking point in the negotiations was the issue of Tierney’s wages. Arsenal wanted Celtic to bear the full salary of the left-back, which would have been a significant financial burden for the Scottish champions.
- “Tierney was down to Arteta and Arsenal playing hardball and saying ‘if he goes, the wages are on you'”, said MacDonald on PLZ Soccer.
- “That was going to be a significant outlay, so there would have had to be negotiations about that.”
- “And negotiations, I know from the Arsenal end, they said didn’t get very far at all.”
Celtic had to consider the financial implications of taking on Tierney’s full salary, which ultimately led to the breakdown of the negotiations between the two clubs.
As a result of the failed transfer, Celtic let young full-back Alex Valle return to Barcelona and instead signed Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace.
Key Takeaways:
- Celtic were keen to bring Kieran Tierney back to the club, but the negotiations with Arsenal did not progress as expected.
- The main sticking point was the issue of Tierney’s wages, with Arsenal insisting that Celtic cover the full salary of the left-back.
- The significant financial burden that would have come with taking on Tierney’s wages ultimately led to the breakdown of the negotiations between the two clubs.
- As a result, Celtic were forced to pursue alternative options, including the signing of Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace.
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