Celtic have quietly confirmed their first summer signing within the details of their latest club accounts.
The Premiership champions have once again demonstrated their financial dominance over the rest of the league, posting a pre-tax profit of £43.9 million and holding £65.4 million in the bank. This comes despite breaking their transfer record this season with an eight-figure deal for Arne Engels.
This strong financial position solidifies Celtic’s foundation for continued domestic success and their ambitions in the Champions League, where they have already begun adding elite-level talent ahead of the next campaign.
Brendan Rodgers had previously hinted that a pre-contract agreement for Kieran Tierney was in progress, as the defender’s Arsenal contract is set to expire this summer. However, there had been no official confirmation from the club—until now.
In a statement released by chairman Peter Lawwell via the club’s website, Tierney’s return to Celtic has been confirmed as part of the financial accounts. The statement reads: “During the January 2025 transfer window, we acquired the permanent registration of Jota and the temporary registration of Jeffrey Schlupp.
“In addition, we extended the contract of Kasper Schmeichel and entered into a pre-contract agreement that will see Kieran Tierney return to Celtic in July 2025. We disposed of the registrations of Kyogo Furuhashi, Alexandro Bernabei and placed Luis Palma, Odin Holm and Stephen Welsh on Loan.”
Rodgers had previously commented on Tierney’s potential return in January, saying: “Ideally it would [happen in January] but, at this moment, he’s still an Arsenal player. I think everyone is agreed that it will definitely take place in the summer. If we can do it beforehand, then great.”
Celtic are expected to further strengthen their squad in the summer transfer window, particularly after failing to secure a striker during the winter recruitment period. The club is set to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
