Celtic sign Australia international Marco Tilio on five-year deal

Celtic have made their first signing since Brendan Rodgers returned to the club, adding Australia international Marco Tilio to the squad.

The 21-year-old winger has agreed a five-year contract with the Parkhead club and moves from Melbourne City, subject to international clearance.

Tilio will now make the journey to Glasgow and meet up with his new teammates for pre-season training before helping the side as they aim to defend their domestic treble and compete in Europe.

Tilio began his professional career with Sydney FC and was an Australia Under-20 international during his time there. He moved to Melbourne City in 2020, signing a three-year contract with the club.

“I’m ecstatic that I’m coming over to Europe, coming to such a big club and team, and I’m super excited,” he told Celtic TV.

“I hope to bring all my qualities, take on players in and around the box, help the team contribute to goals with assists and hopefully put a few in the back of the net as well.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for myself and having seen Aussies go over there and do well at such a prestigious club, it’s a massive opportunity for myself that I couldn’t deny.

“And being around those guys, Aaron Mooy and Tommy Rogic, in the national team camp over recent years, obviously helped make my decision easier.”

The 21-year-old won the league the following year and has scored 18 goals in his 79 A-League appearances. He earned the first of his five senior Australia caps in 2022 and was a late call-up to their World Cup squad when Martin Boyle was forced to withdraw.

Though former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou left to join Tottenham Hotspur, Tilio will still join another Australian at Celtic, with former international winger Harry Kewell on the coaching staff. However, veteran midfielder Aaron Mooy announced his retirement from football just before confirmation of Tilio’s arrival.