Godwin ObajeCeltic Seal Double Deal as Tierney Returns and Doohan Arrives in Another Smart Transfer
Celtic are making early waves in the summer transfer window, kicking things off with not just one but two significant signings. Following the high-profile return of Kieran Tierney from Arsenal, the Scottish Premiership champions have now struck another agreement—this time for goalkeeper Ross Doohan. Both moves underline the club’s sharp strategy in the market, targeting quality and experience while remaining financially savvy.
Kieran Tierney Rejoins Celtic: A Homecoming Years in the Making
Six years after leaving Celtic Park for the Premier League, Kieran Tierney is officially coming home. The 27-year-old left-back, who made his name at Celtic before making a £25 million move to Arsenal in 2019, has signed a deal to rejoin the club following the expiration of his contract with the Gunners. His return has already sent a wave of excitement through the Celtic fanbase.
Tierney’s time in North London was filled with highs and lows. While his talent was never in question, a string of persistent injuries hampered his ability to consistently contribute to Mikel Arteta’s plans. According to Transfermarkt data, Tierney missed a staggering 94 games across his Arsenal career due to injury:
- 2019/20: 19 games
- 2020/21: 19 games
- 2021/22: 17 games
- 2023/24: 21 games
- 2024/25: 18 games
Despite these setbacks, Tierney remained a respected figure at Arsenal. He capped off his time at the club in fitting fashion, scoring in his final appearance. Arteta, speaking after the match, expressed deep gratitude for the defender’s professionalism and influence.
“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.”
For Celtic, Tierney’s return is more than just a sentimental move. It’s a major upgrade at left-back. While Greg Taylor has held his own in recent seasons, Tierney offers a different level of athleticism, attacking threat, and defensive steel. His overlapping runs, delivery from wide areas, and ability to stretch opposition defences will be invaluable in both domestic and European competitions.
A Celtic fan named John captured the mood in the comments section of the original report, praising Tierney as a true wing-back who could restore the traditional attacking width the club has always relied on. His take underscored the belief that Tierney will bring something that’s been missing from the team for some time.
“Tierney will bring back the attacking flair… Celtic have always had wingbacks and in Tierney we have one of the best… Tierney will go past players, get to the byline and put great crosses in. Taylor doesn’t take players on… exciting times for Celtic.”
Indeed, with Tierney’s pedigree and connection to the club, the move feels like a significant statement of intent heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
Celtic Land Ross Doohan in Smart Free Transfer
While Tierney’s return dominates the headlines, Celtic have quietly made another clever acquisition. As reported by Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, the Bhoys have agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Ross Doohan on a free transfer from Aberdeen. The 27-year-old will arrive upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
Doohan, a former Celtic youth product, returns to Parkhead with more experience under his belt, having impressed during stints at clubs like Ross County, Dundee United, and most recently, Aberdeen. His role will be to provide cover and competition in the goalkeeping department, likely replacing third-choice shot-stopper Scott Bain, who is set to leave the club.
Despite serving largely as a backup at Aberdeen, Doohan made the most of his opportunities when they came. He notably stepped up during a fixture against Celtic in December 2024, drawing praise from Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie after a composed performance in a narrow loss.
“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.” – Graeme Shinnie, via BBC Sport
At 27, Doohan is entering his prime years and will provide experienced, homegrown depth to Celtic’s goalkeeping unit, which includes first-choice Joe Hart’s long-term successor in Benjamin Siegrist and promising youth prospects coming through the academy. His arrival reflects the club’s strategy to build a balanced and deep squad without overspending.
A Bargain-Focused Summer for Celtic
The acquisitions of Tierney and Doohan suggest that Celtic are intent on building a stronger squad without breaking the bank. Both players arrive on free transfers, which is shrewd business from a club that must manage its budget carefully while trying to compete domestically and in Europe.
Tierney’s return is undoubtedly the marquee signing, but Doohan’s addition is the kind of low-risk, high-upside deal that successful clubs consistently make. With the club’s recruitment team clearly focused on both emotional connections and tactical requirements, fans can expect more deals in a similar mould in the coming weeks.
There are also reports that Celtic are eyeing further reinforcements in the form of attacking talent. Links to Nicolas Kuhn replacements and potential £10m-rated targets such as Mathias Kvistgaarden indicate that the club isn’t done yet. These additional moves will aim to complement a strong core group and give manager Brendan Rodgers the tools he needs to defend the title and make a deeper impact in Europe.
Final Thoughts
Celtic’s early transfer activity speaks volumes about their ambition. The return of Kieran Tierney brings a fan favourite back to Parkhead and boosts the club’s defensive quality significantly. At the same time, the arrival of Ross Doohan adds reliable squad depth without a financial burden.
These are the kinds of calculated, strategic signings that can make a real difference over a long season. With the summer transfer window just opening, Celtic are off to a flying start—and the green-and-white faithful have every reason to be excited.
Godwin Obaje
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