Celtic Eye This 22-Year-Old Liverpool Defender: Can He Be Tierney’s Successor?

Celtic Eye This 22-Year-Old Liverpool Defender: Can He Be Tierney’s Successor? Celtic’s defensive options have come under scrutiny during a demanding 2026/27 campaign, with European commitments placing greater pressure on Martin O’Neill’s squad. While the Hoops continue to pursue domestic success, their ability to manage injuries and maintain consistent performances depends on having dependable alternatives across the backline. Kieran Tierney remains a key figure at left-back after returning to Glasgow, bringing experience and attacking quality to O’Neill’s side. The Scotland international has recorded one goal and three assists this season, while his contract runs until 2030. However, relying heavily on one established starter is risky across a long campaign, particularly when fitness concerns and fixture congestion limit recovery time. Celtic’s alternatives offer less certainty. Marcelo Saracchi’s loan spell ended, while an attempted permanent move failed to materialise during the summer. Landon Emenalo subsequently arrived on loan from Chelsea , giving the club another option, although the teenager still needs time to develop before he can shoulder regular first-team responsibility. With those limitations in mind, Celtic could turn to the January market for a younger defender who can provide immediate cover and develop into a longer-term squad asset, rather than spend heavily on an established starter. According to the Glasgow Times , in a report by James McLaughlin published through its USA Today partnership, Celtic are tracking Liverpool defender Luke Chambers. The Scottish champions regard the 22-year-old as a potential long-term option. Chambers has struggled to secure regular senior opportunities at Anfield, making a January departure a realistic possibility. The Englishman has gained experience through loan spells at Kilmarnock, Charlton Athletic and Wigan Athletic, giving him familiarity with Scottish football and the demands of competitive senior matches. His Liverpool contract reportedly expires next summer, which could allow Celtic to explore a permanent deal rather than settle for another short-term loan. However, neither a transfer fee nor his weekly wage has been confirmed, and Liverpool must decide whether they prefer a January sale or another temporary arrangement. Would Chambers offer Celtic a genuine long-term succession plan? NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 29: Luke Chambers #44 of Liverpool FC looks on during the first half of the pre-season friendly against Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium on July 29, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) Celtic should view Chambers as a potential squad investment rather than an immediate replacement for Tierney. The Liverpool youngster can cover left-back, left wing-back and left centre-back, offering O’Neill greater flexibility when injuries force changes to his defensive structure. His limited senior involvement remains a concern. Chambers scored once during pre-season, but his reported six-minute Champions League appearance offers little evidence of his readiness for regular European football. Celtic must assess his defensive positioning, recovery speed and ability to handle the pressure of playing in front of demanding home supporters. Still, the contract situation creates an opportunity. If Liverpool accept a modest fee, Celtic could secure a young defender without committing substantial funds to a player who would initially serve as backup. That approach would preserve resources for more urgent positions while reducing the burden on Tierney. Emenalo’s development should remain part of the calculation, but competition need not block his progress. Celtic require several reliable defenders across a long season, and a versatile 22-year-old could provide valuable cover while the teenager gains experience. The deal would make sense if Celtic negotiate a sensible fee and wage that reflect Chambers’ current standing, rather than paying for potential as though he were already an established first-team player.