Notable Scottish football manager David Moyes issued a warning towards Kieran Tierney as the latter finalize his move from Scottish football club Celtic to Premier League club Arsenal. Tierney is one of the most celebrated stars from Celtic, and his decision to transfer has been both celebrated and criticized.
Since the opening of the transfer window, Arsenal's manager Unai Emery has put Moyes on the top of its acquisition priority. Reports claim that Emery has rated Tierney as a top priority, and that confidence towards signing the 22-year-old left-back has been high all along.
Arsenal failed to close its first two bids to acquire Tierney. However, after weeks of renegotiation, both Celtic and the Gunners finally came to an understanding through a restructured deal worth £25 million. It has been reported that Tierney has told the Celtic front office that he is keen into playing for England this upcoming season. Moyes said that he is confident that the defender has all the skills and abilities to stand up on top of the rest once in Arsenal.
Despite having confidence towards his compatriot, the former Manchester United manager warned Tierney about the extreme competition of the Premier League. In a statement with The Sunday Post, Moyes said, "He has been outstanding for Celtic for more than three years. I've always had my eye on him and rated him. He is a top player. If he does go to the Emirates, I can see him being a stalwart for Arsenal for the next 10 years."
Despite being packaged as a warning, many analysts have noted that what Moyes intended to convey is a piece of advice to his fellow Scotsman. Moyes, a former Celtic who spent 14 seasons managing a number of Premier League clubs, is optimistic that Tierney will perform well in the Premier League.
Although Moyes is positive that Tierney will no doubt shine in his new role in Arsenal, he also said that it would take quite some time for the rising star to adjust to the new league. The Premier League, as the name implies, is one of the most prestigious leagues in the United Kingdom. While the Scottish League does shine on its own right, it pales in comparison to the level of play and support than that of the Premier League.
Lastly, while Moyes believes that Tierney will no doubt shine while playing in England, he will not be the first to do so. Celtic fans will no doubt remember the name Virgil van Dijk for that matter.
