Tilio returning to Celtic as Rodgers plans pre-season assessment

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The Celtic Star

·17 June 2025

Tilio returning to Celtic as Rodgers plans pre-season assessment

Marco Tilio is set for a crucial summer at Celtic as manager Brendan Rodgers prepares to evaluate the Australian winger’s development during pre-season training…

Max Caputo and Marco Tilio of the City celebrate with the Championship Trophy after winning the A-League Men Grand Final match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on May 31, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

The 23-year-old endured a frustrating start to life at Celtic after joining from Melbourne City in July 2023, arriving injured and making just two brief appearances before being loaned back to his former club. However, his return to the A-League side on a season long loan provided a much-needed lift. Tilio recorded five goals and five assists across 19 matches, showing glimpses of the talent that persuaded Celtic to bring him to Scotland in the first place.

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Rodgers now wants a closer look at the winger’s progress. Tilio is expected to take part in Celtic’s pre-season fixtures, including high-profile friendlies against Como, Sporting CP, and Newcastle United. The summer schedule will offer the Australian international a platform to force his way into the manager’s plans — or attract further interest from elsewhere.

ALEAGUE JETS CITY, Marco Tilio of City celebrates after scoring a goal during the A-League Men Round 1 match between the Newcastle Jets and the Melbourne City at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Saturday, October 19, 2024. Photo DAN HIMBRECHTS

While a permanent departure remains a possibility, sources suggest Celtic are yet to make a final decision. The club is believed to be keeping all options open, monitoring both Tilio’s performance and interest from other teams.

Melbourne City’s director of football, Michael Petrillo, confirmed discussions are ongoing.“We’re still negotiating whether he stays another year or goes to Europe,” Petrillo said. “We hope he stays another year.”

Marco Tilio of the City celebrates with the Championship Trophy after winning during the A-League Men Grand Final match between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on May 31, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Tilio himself has expressed a clear desire to establish himself on the European stage.

“I’d hope to be saying I’ll be playing consistently over in Europe, I’d like to say,” he previously remarked. “We’ll see. But yeah, that’s where my head’s at.”

As pre-season approaches, Tilio’s future remains uncertain, but with a renewed sense of confidence and the opportunity to impress Rodgers directly, the next few weeks could prove decisive in shaping the next chapter of his career.

Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two by Matt Corr – out now on Celtic Star Books.