John Hartson: Celtic should have gotten more for Tierney

Celtic Legend John Hartson thinks the club should have held out for more than £30million for their former star Kieran Tierney.

The Scottish international left the club for a record-breaking £25 million in the closing days off English Transfer Window. His move to Arsenal paced the way for a new record as Celtic managed to sell a player directly to a premier league big club for the first time in the Premier League era.

Tierney’s transfer fee has raised eyebrows and caused a debate regarding his real value. With so much potential in him, it’s a general opinion that should have held out for a higher fee. But at the end of it all, the record-breaking fee was huge for the club.

However, the legendary Hartson believes that Celtic should have asked for at least £30m. He said; ” Arsenal probably got him on the cheap, if you look at the fact that Manchester United paid £50m for Aaron Wan- Bissaka. Furthermore, average players are going for £30/£40m and I a player like Tierney’s caliber is certainly not average”.

He added that ” Celtic should have held out for another £5m or so, but it is still reasonable though, especially because he has come through the ranks and hasn’t cost the club a penny. He made his second start on Thursday in a team that is trying to do something. O think Emery is trying to build something special. “

Recently, Celtic has become stubborn in transfers holding on their players, and this has made them more consistent. If Tierney becomes a star in London, it will be a massive benefit for Celtic as no club will longer view Celtic as second- rate down south. If Tierney becomes an instant hit, it could lead to a higher bid for other players in the future.

But everyone accepts the deal was best for all parties. Arsenal gets a top left-back, and Celtic gets a considerable pay, and Tierney gets to show himself in the world’s most popular league.

Celtic FC are 1.65 to win the Scottish Premiership, while arch rivals Rangers FC are available at 2.20 to win the trophy
 
 
Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi