Another Celtic player's summer exit officially confirmed

Celtic fans are all waiting for news of signings while reading about rumours and stories of potential moves. Some will have plenty of patience, others much less so as the summer transfer window progresses. There is an update now about a player moving, but it is an exit rather than an arrival.

Most fans won’t be surprised to see Marco Tilio going out on yet another loan. The extension of his loan agreement has been confirmed by Melbourne City FC.

Tilio has only made two very brief appearances for Celtic since signing from Melbourne City FC last summer. And the opportunities came at a time when the squad was struggling due to injuries.

Tilio’s 28 minutes on the pitch suggest that he hasn’t got a real future at the club. So, it made sense when he returned to Melbourne in February on loan. His playing time there was also limited though. But this time it was an injury keeping him out the side. 

Another Celtic player's summer exit officially confirmed

Tilio seemed pretty happy at having made the move. He said on Melbourne City FC's website:

"I’m so happy that I can extend my stay at City, this Club has always felt like home to me, and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch and contribute to the team.

“Last season was a difficult one for me with injury, but I’ve been working hard to come back stronger and I’m looking forward to making more memorable moments together with my teammates and the City fans."

It’s likely that Tilio’s signing was under consideration while Ange Postecoglou was still manager of the club. But playing time has been hard to come by for him under the management of Brendan Rodgers.

Although it’s disappointing to have little news on signings yet, the departure of players who did not have much of a future at the club is still positive news. The Tilio loan exit follows Sead Haksabanovic's permanent move to Malmo recently. There are likely to be others leaving too over the weeks ahead.

On the other hand, fans will be hoping for some more activity in terms of incomings. There are plenty of areas in the squad in need of reinforcements and quickly.