Arsenal have finally completed the signing of Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney for a fee of around £25 million. The Scotland International joins the club on a 5 year deal, becoming the 4th signing for the Gunners in the process. The 22 year old has come in to compete or displace Sead Kolasinac for that left back spot.
“We’re delighted Kieran is joining us,” said manager Unai Emery. “He’s a very talented player who will continue to improve. He increases our options defensively and I look forward to him joining our group.” Not only the manager of Arsenal welcomed him but the current manager of Celtic Neil Lennon bid him a good farewell.
“This is an opportunity Kieran wanted to take and while we will be sad to see him leave the club, we wish Kieran all the very best for the future,” manager Neil Lennon told the club’s website. “Although he is still a young guy, Kieran has given the club so much. He’s a great lad and I’ve really enjoyed working with him. I’m sure he will continue to progress and develop and make a big impact in the English Premiership.”
Player History
Tierney has always been a Celtic boy, signing for the club when he was just 7 years old. He rose through the ranks there, making his debut for the first team in April 2015, aged just 18.
But his breakout campaign came in the 2015/16, making over 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing an impressive 8 assists for a teenager. He also managed to win both players’ and FWA Young Player of the year.
His 2016/17 season was even better, he managed to rack up 40 appearances in all competitions with a goal and 12 assists, considering he was injured for a couple of months. He also won the Young player of the year for a second consecutive season.
2017/18 was the season where he actually became a leader at the club as he was made captain and he made more than 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring 4 times and assisting a further 11. He also achieved a hat-trick of Young Player of the year awards, apart from winning the FWA Player of the year award as Celtic achieved a historical double treble.
In 2018/19, he did make 40 appearances in all competitions but he did suffer a hip injury, which was also followed by a hernia, which required further surgery.
Fantasy Football Potential
I think he’s come into the team as a starter, ahead Kolasinac because of the versatility that he provides, can play as a left centre back, left back and left wing back as well, where Kolasinac played.
So, he would come in and play right away, but he is injured right now. Although, when he comes back, he can prove to be a bargain considering his attacking and his defensive output. Also, he main asset is the amount of fouls he gives away. In the last seasons, he has given away a foul once every 2 games, which is really good consistency.
Also, once Luiz and Tierney come into the defence, Arsenal as a whole can become a much better proposition for clean sheets.
Written by Tamish Behal (@Tamish_Behal)
