Why Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney will be the perfect long-term replacement for Leighton Baines
According to reports, Everton are considering a £25m move for Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney, who could be the potential long-term successor to Leighton Baines at Everton.
The Toffees, under new manager Marco Silva, are keen to snap up the Celtic defender who has caught the eye in Scotland over a number of seasons.
But it would take a lot of money for the Merseysiders to prise Tierney away as he signed a new six-year deal with Celtic back in October. But Everton should test Celtic’s resolve with a bid for their ace defender.
Baines, 33, has been at Everton since joining from Wigan back in 2007. He has monopolized Everton’s left-back position for more than a decade but is starting to show signs of slowing down.
The Englishman has been a reliable presence for the Merseysiders for a number of years but he missed a large chunk of last season with an injury.
At 33, Baines is no longer the player he once was. His absence due to the injury in the previous campaign exposed the alarming lack of cover in the position, forcing Cuco Martina to fill in. Hence, it makes complete sense for Silva to fix the left-back slot with a long-term investment.
Tierney would be a fantastic signing for Everton. He is one of the most exciting young talents in Europe and his form for Celtic has been absolutely sensational.
At 21 years of age, the youngster has already captained his country and club. In addition to that, Tierney has played against some of Europe’s elite in the Champions League. He played a vital part in Celtic’s double trouble last season and has only gone from strength-to-strength, making the left-back position his own.
Under Rodgers, Tierney has succeeded in curbing his flaws and at such a tender age, he looks like the real deal.
Due to his ability to play in central defence as well, the Scotsman is an all-around player, blessed with tremendous pace and outstanding work-ethic. The 21-year-old also has an attacking edge to his game that makes him the perfect modern-day full-back, with plenty of assists and goals under his belt for the Scottish champions.
The left-back is a tough tackler, never shying away from putting his body on the line. He is tenacious, aggressive, and agile and is extremely difficult to beat in one-on-one situations.
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As Tierney is contracted to stay at Parkhead until 2023, it will take an astronomical fee for Everton to lure him away to Goodison Park. But the Toffees shouldn’t be afraid to splash the cash as Tierney looks set for the Premier League due to his athleticism and work rate.
Going forward, he could be the answer to their left-back woes and is the perfect heir to the ageing Baines.
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