Injury to key star paves way for on-loan Celtic star to make sensational return

Celtic look set to welcome back 23-year-old Australian winger Marco Tilio to preseason preparations in early July.

Tilio was one of the numerous summer 2023 project signings, but unfortunately for him and indeed Celtic, he was injured on international duty with Australia shortly after putting pen to paper on his record-breaking move to Celtic.

Tilio was on the treatment table at Lennoxtown for the early stages of Brendan Rodgers’ second spell as Celtic manager, and although he had been given a few run-outs when finally fit, he was unable to make an impression, and a loan move back to Australia followed.

This season, Tilio has certainly impressed for Melbourne City, with five goals and five assists in the 17 matches he has played, and that’s played a big part in Melbourne City reaching the A-League Finals this season.

Tilio, though, has one eye back on his European adventure back at Celtic as he looks to follow in the footsteps of Tom Rogic and Aaron Mooy in making a major impact in the East End of Glasgow. Tilio has been in constant contact with Celtic, through Darren O’Dea, who will have reported back to Brendan Rodgers on an ongoing basis.

The 23-year-old Aussie winger has been talking about his hopes for a more successful second spell back at Celtic.

As things currently stand, Tilio will be joined back in Glasgow by Luis Palma, another summer 2023 signing. However, recent signing Jota will be missing until well into next season, so there’s perhaps room in the squad there.

As for Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn, the duo are likely to be the subject of transfer speculation, and from what I’ve heard from decent sources, Maeda would be happy to stay at Celtic and sign a new contract if he is moved into the top bracket of earners within the squad.