Godwin ObajeCeltic Seal Second Summer Deal with “Brilliant” 27-Year-Old in Another Bargain Move
Celtic are wasting no time in reshaping their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with the club reportedly securing a second signing of the summer following the emotional return of Kieran Tierney. According to reports, the Scottish champions have reached an agreement to sign goalkeeper Ross Doohan on a free transfer from Aberdeen, continuing their strategy of smart, cost-effective acquisitions.
Tierney Returns to Parkhead
The headline news from Celtic Park this week has, of course, been the confirmation that Kieran Tierney is coming back home. After six years away, including a £25m move to Arsenal and a recent loan spell with Real Sociedad, the 27-year-old left-back has agreed to rejoin the Hoops following the expiration of his contract with the Gunners.
Tierney’s time in North London was plagued by injuries, limiting his impact despite showing flashes of the dynamic full-back play that made him a fan favourite at Celtic. According to Transfermarkt, he missed a staggering 94 matches due to various injuries during his Arsenal and Sociedad stints. Even so, he left a positive impression on those around him. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised the Scotsman following his final game, saying:
“He said it yesterday, I’m going to score on my last Arsenal match and he’s done it. So credit to him. A special thank you to him. He’s been part of this journey and he’s won with me. It’s true that he went to Sociedad for a few months, but it’s been a joy to work with him.”
“A really special character and we wish him and his family all the very best. The doors of this club are open for him. He’s someone very, very liked at the club, in the dressing room and we want to wish him the best.”
Despite his injury record, Tierney remains a player of real quality, and Celtic know that better than most. His return to Parkhead will undoubtedly lift spirits among the support, and the club will hope he can rediscover his best form back on familiar turf.
Ross Doohan Set to Join on Free Transfer
But Tierney isn’t the only addition on the cards. According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic have also reached an agreement to bring in goalkeeper Ross Doohan from Aberdeen when his current deal expires this summer.
The 27-year-old shot-stopper is expected to serve as a replacement for Scott Bain, who is set to leave Celtic after falling down the pecking order. With Joe Hart retiring and Bain likely on his way out, Celtic’s goalkeeping department is undergoing a significant revamp. While Doohan may not arrive as the immediate first-choice, his addition adds depth and quality in a position that Brendan Rodgers will need to reinforce.
Doohan is not a new name to Celtic fans. A product of the club’s academy, he was on the books at Celtic for several years but never quite made the breakthrough into the first team. After several loan spells – including stints at Ayr United, Ross County, and Dundee United – he moved on in search of regular football.
At Aberdeen, Doohan served primarily as backup but was thrust into the spotlight late last year due to an injury to Dons’ first-choice keeper Kelle Roos. When called upon, he impressed. Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie sang his praises after a narrow defeat to Celtic in December:
“I thought he was brilliant. He has waited a long time to get this chance. Unfortunate to lose Dimi obviously but those moments give other people opportunities and I thought Ross did brilliantly when called upon.”
This type of character – hardworking, reliable, and ready to take his chance – is exactly what Celtic need in the squad as they prepare for another demanding domestic and European season.
A Summer of Smart Deals at Celtic Park
Celtic appear to be prioritising value for money this summer. With Tierney arriving for free and Doohan reportedly joining on a similar basis, the club is showing a clear intent to strengthen the squad without overspending. These are smart moves from a financial and footballing standpoint, ensuring that the squad remains competitive while maintaining stability.
Brendan Rodgers will be hoping these additions are just the start. The club has also been linked with several other players, including a potential move for £60k-a-week midfielder Jeffrey Schlupp, and Danish forward Mathias Kvistgaarden. With Champions League football on the horizon and Rangers closing the gap in the Premiership title race, the margin for error will be slim.
Rodgers will need a full, deep squad capable of rotating effectively and staying fit over a long campaign, and the additions of experienced professionals like Tierney and Doohan help set that foundation.
What Doohan Brings to Celtic
While Doohan may not grab headlines like Tierney, his arrival is still a notable one. At 27, he is entering what is typically a goalkeeper’s prime and brings with him experience from multiple SPFL clubs. He’s a composed presence between the sticks, solid in shot-stopping and distribution, and has proven capable of stepping up when the opportunity arises.
Perhaps most importantly, he arrives with a point to prove. Having left Celtic once without making the breakthrough, Doohan now has the chance to rewrite his story and establish himself in the squad under Brendan Rodgers. Whether as a backup or pushing for a more prominent role, his addition adds depth and competition in a key position.
Looking Ahead
With pre-season just weeks away, Celtic’s transfer business is beginning to take shape. The return of Kieran Tierney will rightly grab the headlines, but the acquisition of Ross Doohan represents another smart piece of business from the Parkhead hierarchy.
Both moves suggest a strategy focused on familiar faces, solid professionals, and cost-effective deals – a formula that has served Celtic well in the past. If Doohan can build on the promise he showed at Aberdeen and Tierney can remain fit, the Hoops could be in an even stronger position to defend their Premiership crown and make an impact in Europe next season.
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