Carl Jenkinson and Romain Perraud were linked with Scottish Premiership champions Celtic – now Neil Lennon needs to replace Kieran Tierney.
Celtic’s worst fears have come true.
Ever since Kieran Tierney first ambled onto the pitch as a precocious 17-year-old, his braces covering a gleaming grin, it seemed only a matter of time before this boyhood Hoops fanatic had to bid an emotional farewell.
Fate came to pass on Thursday evening. After seven years, eight trophies and 170 games, Tierney’s time as a Celtic player came to an end as he joined Arsenal in a deal worth £25 million.
And this has left Celtic in a rather awkward position. Not only does Neil Lennon need a new right-back before the Scottish transfer window shuts on September 2, he now needs to dive headfirst into the market to reinforce the opposite flank too – and time is running out fast.
Fortunately, he has £25 million burning a hole in his back pocket. But two players who could have arrived at Parkhead for less than £4 million combined, offering both depth and quality on either wing, have slipped through the grasp.
The Mail (16 June, back page) reported that Celtic were keen to give one-time England international Carl Jenkinson a fresh start. But the long-serving Arsenal right-back, who still has plenty to offer at 27, sealed a bargain £2 million move to Nottingham Forest this week instead.
Romain Perraud, a swashbuckling left-back, won’t be wearing green and white either. Celtic were keen, according to La Telegramme, but the Frenchman swapped Nice for Brest in a £1.8 million deal (L’Equipe).
At the time, Celtic seemed confident, perhaps naively so, that Tierney would spurn interest from the Premier League and stick around at the club where he made his name.
But The Hoops now find themselves one game into the Scottish Premiership season looking worryingly short of quality in two key positions.
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