According to latest reports, newly-promoted Newcastle United are now keeping tabs on Celtic’s young defending sensation, Kieran Tierney. The 19-year-old has had a terrific season with the Scottish champions under former Liverpool boss, Brendan Rodgers.
His phenomenal displays down the left flank have garnered interests from numerous top clubs across Europe, especially from the Premier League and he is one of one of the probable departures at the end of the season.
Newcastle returned to top-flight English football after just one season in the Championship and much of the credit needs to be given to their manager, Rafa Benitez’s meticulous transfer planning at the beginning of the season. It seems like the Spaniard is at it yet again and this time his list of players includes this Scottish youngster.
The Magpies’ backline has been a blend of youth and experience this season and it has clicked quite well. With a young skipper at the central defence in Jamaal Lascelles, Benitez has shut out most opponents in the Championship. However, what has been a concern is his bench. Newcastle’s bench might be bountiful and up for the task, they all don’t have the quality to cope in the Premier league.
Newcastle’s left-back Paul Dummett has been one of their most consistent performers this season, but same cannot be said about second-choice Achraf Lazaar. And it is this margin that Benitez has to blur in the summer transfer window.
However, Tierney is too good a talent to join a newly promoted side. Especially with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool all interested in him, Newcastle don’t stand a chance.
Tierney has been a regular in Rodgers’ side, playing 31 times and assisting eight times. He has even scored one goal. He also has experience at the top most level in Champions League, where he had to face the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona. An academy product of Celtic, Tierney hasn’t wasted breaking into the first team since his break in 2015.
At only 19, Tierney has already made 71 appearances in all competition for the Bhoys. His pace on the ball with easy composure and ability to see the most impossible of passes in the attacking third at such a nascent age makes him an invaluable talent for any side.
With Luke Shaw’s frustrating injury problems, United are in the hunt for a potent left-back; Pep Guardiola has plans of remodelling the whole squad injecting young blood, and Arsenal are looking to replace Kieran Gibbs this summer. With all the demand, Newcastle’s job becomes increasingly difficult.
