Losing Kyogo Furuhashi – without acquiring a replacement – represented a notable blow for Celtic at the time, yet as it is, the Scottish champions are now reaping the rewards of their January dealings.
Since returning to Parkhead, wing wizard Jota has already slotted back in smoothly, scoring three goals in just six Premiership outings thus far, including an emotional strike on his second debut away at Motherwell.
Meanwhile, deadline day arrival, Jeffrey Schlupp, has been quietly brilliant following his short-term loan switch from Crystal Palace, with the 32-year-old – who opened his account in fine fashion against St Mirren – having swiftly ousted Greg Taylor as Brendan Rodgers’ starting left-back.
Even the decision not to immediately replace Kyogo has been somewhat vindicated, with compatriot Daizen Maeda representing a more than adequate solution through the middle, as evidenced by his brace in the thumping win over Aberdeen.
The hope will be that Celtic’s final bit of January business proves just as fruitful in the near future, with former hero Kieran Tierney set to return this summer after signing a pre-contract agreement with the Hoops.
Kieran Tierney's season at Arsenal
Where has the time gone?
Tierney’s Parkhead homecoming ahead of next season will mark six years since he initially left the Old Firm side in order to join Arsenal, with the Gunners forking out £25m to land the then-22-year-old defender in August 2019.
The flying full-back had been a revelation under Rodgers prior to sealing that Premier League switch, notably recording a mammoth haul of 37 assists in 170 games from his left-sided berth.
Unfortunately, despite a strong start in North London – which saw the Scotland star lauded as a “warrior” by one-time Arsenal man, Ashley Cole – injuries have largely been the story of his spell in England, having also spent last season on loan at LaLiga side, Real Sociedad.
Thankfully, however, the experienced asset looks to be back to full fitness having been re-introduced to the matchday squad in recent months by Mikel Arteta, a fact that ensured Celtic were unable to land Tierney on loan for the remainder of the current campaign.
While he has still only made ten appearances in 2024/25, Tierney did start the recent Champions League clash at home to PSV, lining up in what appears to be his temporary home under Arteta at left-wing.
This period could then be valuable for the defender – who is valued at €10m (£8.5m), according to Transfermarkt – to find his groove once again, ahead of re-joining Rodgers’ ranks this summer.
A fit and firing Tierney would be a real weapon down the left-hand side for the Hoops, just as Alistair Johnston already is on the opposite flank…
Celtic have hit the jackpot on the new Kieran Tierney
What made Tierney “unique” in his first spell at Celtic Park, as per Rodgers, was just how “robust” he was, possessing that winning combination of attacking silk and defensive steel.
Market Movers
When the £110k-per-week star returns to his former employers this summer, he will find that Celtic have perhaps found a replica of such talents in the form of Johnston, with the Canadian sensation simply a monster in both boxes.
Signed by Ange Postecoglou from MLS side CF Montreal – for just £3.5m – back in December 2022, in preparation for the subsequent sale of Josip Juranovic, the 26-year-old has been a revelation since then, hardly putting a foot wrong in truth.
25 games (24 starts)
4 goals
7 assists
13 ‘big chances’ created
1.6 key passes*
87% pass accuracy*
10 clean sheets
2.1 tackles & interceptions*
56% total duels won*
Ever since being thrust straight into Old Firm action on his debut by Postecoglou, the rampaging right-back has looked at ease in green and white, having been lauded as “inspirational” by his current boss after taking on the captain’s armband in the absence of Callum McGregor earlier this season.
This term, the Vancouver native has chipped in with four goals and nine assists in all competitions, taking his total tally for the club to 24 goals and assists in 102 games thus far.
Equally, Johnston’s ability defensively was on show during Celtic’s Champions League voyage, as he currently ranks in the top 15% of full-backs in the competition for tackles made, as well as in the top 15% for clearances and the top 12% for aerial duels won, as per FBref.
Unsurprisingly, that all-round package has seen the defender’s value soar of late, with Transfermarkt calculating that he is now worth the same as Tierney, at €10m (£8.5m), marking a sizeable increase from his initial price tag.
The prospect of then having Johnston on one side and Tierney on the other next season truly is exciting, as Celtic look to maintain their domestic stranglehold, while seeking to keep pushing on in Europe.
Celtic star is already proving to Rodgers he's their next Kieran Tierney
Celtic are going to overhaul of their left-backs in the summer, with Kieran Tierney set to return, but does Rodgers already have a better option?
ByBen GrayMar 12, 2025