Celtic are reportedly in talks over Marco Tilio’s future with Melbourne City keen on retaining the player. The Scottish Champions signed the player in the summer of 2023 but he failed to settle and returned to Australia for eighteen months, where he continued his progress.
The Australian International has impressed, helping the Melbourne club to an A-League title, which has encouraged his former club to hold talks about retaining the player, who has three years left at Celtic. Speaking to Football Fever podcast, Director of Football Michael Petrillo revealed that talks are ongoing with Celtic over whether the player will remain in Australia or goes back to Celtic.
Marco Tilio of the City lifts the trophy as Melbourne City players celebrate 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 Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
“We are still negotiating whether he stays another year or goes to Europe. We hope he stays.”
Tilio remarked on his future at the weekend, confirming that he did not know what was going to happen next: “My future is obviously up in the air at the moment, so I’m unsure what is going to happen.
“It’s always been about just playing well. I know when I’m playing well people are always watching.”
Tilio joined Celtic in a deal worth £2m but after just six months, the Australian returned to Melbourne City on a loan deal. The attacker was confirmed to remain with the A-League side for the 2024/25 campaign.
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)
The wide player only made two appearances for Celtic but boasts impressive numbers for City, scoring 26 goals and 24 assists in 107 appearances. The form Down Under definitely earned the player the move but injuries hampered him from making an impact. Brendan may want to give the player another pre-season to test the winger’s capabilities ahead of the new season.
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