Rodgers Discusses January Transfers, Remains Noncommittal on Tierney Return

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers held discussions with owner Dermot Desmond this week regarding transfer strategies for the upcoming January window. However, Rodgers has refrained from commenting on the possibility of Kieran Tierney rejoining the club. The Scotland defender’s contract with Arsenal is set to expire this summer, making him eligible to negotiate with clubs located outside England starting in January. The 27-year-old developed through Celtic’s academy system and played a crucial role in the team during Rodgers’ initial successful period, prior to his £25m transfer to the Gunners in 2019. Rodgers stated, “On Tuesday I flew to Dublin to have a meeting with Dermot, just talking about January. We are always looking forward.” He continued, “We’ll always be linked with top players and especially players that are one of us. Kieran was an instrumental part of a really, really successful period when I was here. His talents then took him to another challenge but we’ll be linked with lots of names and with Kieran naturally because of his situation. But we’ll only talk about a player once he’s signed.” Rodgers also addressed the aftermath of Sunday’s League Cup final, where Rangers were not awarded a penalty that Scottish FA referees chief Willie Collum later stated should have been given. Rodgers commented that VAR would “never be perfect” because it remains subject to human interpretation. The Ibrox side, which ultimately lost on penalties following a 3-3 draw, was granted a free-kick during extra time after referee John Beaton penalized Liam Scales for a foul on Vaclav Cerny, occurring precisely at the edge of the Celtic box. Rodgers further commented, “There will be always be issues around it – it’s still ultimately a human decision.” He also confirmed that winger James Forrest would be sidelined for six weeks and that right-back Alistair Johnston might be unavailable for Sunday’s match against Dundee United. He added, “Everyone will make mistakes, and you can see in the incident why they came to the decision. Willie is trying to be transparent and that is only good, because there’s been talk for years that there’s not that. He’s trying to be open and honest. And hopefully that’s helpful to the staff.” Rodgers concluded by stating, “There is always a narrative after Old Firm games – the most important thing is to go there and win. I’m only worried about winning and in the pressure moments, this team delivers.” Rodgers expressed optimism regarding a potential new contract for left-back Greg Taylor. However, he also conceded that certain players might depart in January, indicating that centre-back Stephen Welsh “may be one of those.”