Sport Nation 2Celtic’s recent recruitment strategy has seen its share of challenges, with several signings failing to meet expectations. While the 2021/22 season brought notable successes, the following years have been less consistent. When Brendan Rodgers returned to Celtic as manager in 2023, the hope was to see the club make strides in European competition. However, the focus shifted to “project signings,” targeting young, promising players who could develop over time. While some of these players have been successful, others have struggled to make an impact.
One such signing is Australian winger Marco Tilio, often compared to Phil Foden in Australia due to his creative playing style. Tilio was expected to bring a fresh dynamic to Celtic’s attacking lineup, but his journey with the club has been far from smooth. He arrived in Glasgow facing an injury that kept him sidelined for much of the season, which led to limited opportunities to establish himself in Rodgers’ lineup. After making only a handful of appearances, Tilio was eventually sent on loan back to Melbourne City FC to gain consistent playing time and rebuild his form.
Since returning to Melbourne City, Tilio has made an impressive start, scoring the winning goal in the season opener. This performance has fueled his ambition to secure regular minutes on the field. Recently, Tilio indicated that he remains open to a possible exit from Celtic, acknowledging that he may look for opportunities elsewhere in Europe if he cannot secure a stable role upon returning to Scotland. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Tilio expressed his intentions, saying, “I just want to play consistent games, do really well, and put myself in a good position to either return to Scotland or go on loan elsewhere in Europe.”
Celtic fans are eager to see how Tilio’s time at Melbourne City unfolds, as strong performances could open doors for him, either back at Celtic or with another club. His situation highlights the uncertainty that can accompany “project signings” — high-potential players who may need time and the right circumstances to succeed. While Tilio’s future at Celtic remains unclear, his story is just one part of the broader narrative about Celtic’s current recruitment approach and its impact on the team.
Meanwhile, Celtic’s lineup continues to evolve, with certain players exceeding initial expectations. One standout is German winger Nicolas Kuhn, who has delivered impressive performances on the right flank this season. Kuhn’s ability to adapt quickly and his consistent impact on games have endeared him to fans, demonstrating the type of success that Celtic’s recruitment strategy can achieve when a player is given the right support and role.
As Celtic moves forward in both domestic and European competitions, the team’s recruitment approach will likely continue to be a topic of discussion. Fans will be hoping that players like Tilio and Kuhn can find their rhythm and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success. For Tilio, his time on loan offers an opportunity to refine his skills, gain confidence, and potentially return to Celtic ready to compete for a place. Should he prove himself at Melbourne City, a successful future at Celtic — or even elsewhere in Europe — may still be within reach.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
