According to Liverpool Echo, Everton are weighing up a move for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney. The 21-year-old defender has been identified by Marcel Brands and Marco Silva as the potential long-term replacement for Leighton Baines.
Baines, 33, has been a mainstay at Goodison Park for more than a decade. The veteran defender missed a large part of last season due to an injury. It is clear that his best years are behind him.
In recent times, it has been claimed that Baines might follow Wayne Rooney to the MLS. Both Chicago Fire and Philadelphia are believed to have an interest in him.
Tierney came through Celtic’s academy, making his debut in the 2014/15 season. Since then, he has not only secured a slot in the Hoops’ starting XI but has also made 130 appearances across all competitions. The player signed a six-year deal only last summer, meaning Everton will face a tough fight to sign him.
The left-footed defender can also play either as a left midfielder or as a centre-back. New Everton manager Marco Silva is rebuilding the squad and he could truly utilise a player of Tierney’s calibre.
Moving to Everton would offer him the opportunity to join an exciting team and play in the lucrative Premier League. However, there has been a high turnover of managers and players at Goodison Park since Roberto Martinez left with little achievements in terms of playing style and titles.
In fact, the blue half of Merseyside last clinched a trophy in the 1994/95 season. Celtic, on the other hand, won an unprecedented double treble last season as Everton somehow finished 8th, five points off Burnley in the last Europa League slot.
Hence, Tierney should ignore Everton for the sake of his fledgeling career. Given his potential, it is just a matter of time before the right opportunity comes his way.
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For now, a move to Everton would represent a big leap of faith, considering their performances despite significant investments made in recent years. Although he could easily walk into Everton’s starting XI, the Toffees won’t be the ideal club for Tierney to realize his potential.
Instead, he should look forward to continuing with Celtic and work towards improving their reputation in Europe next season.
