Marco Tilio is back training at Celtic but his future hangs in the balance | OneFootball

Marco Tilio is back in pre-season training with Celtic. The Aussie winger, who swapped Melbourne for Celtic Park in 2023, has returned to Scotland for pre-season training with Brendan Rodgers’ side…

Marco Tilio arrives at Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

After a productive loan spell back home with Melbourne City, the 23-year-old is now facing a decisive few weeks in his Celtic career.

Tilio left the A-League champions in June 2023 after securing a five-year deal with Celtic, but his initial stint in Scotland was more stop than start. Opportunities were limited and minutes on the pitch were even harder to come by. That’s precisely why Celtic sanctioned a loan move back to Melbourne, it gave a chance to reset, play regular football, and build the confidence that first earned him the move to Europe.

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)

That decision appears to have paid off. Tilio returned to Australia and helped Melbourne City to a championship-winning campaign, culminating in a gritty 1-0 win over rivals Melbourne Victory in the A-League Grand Final on May 31. Now, back in Celtic colours, the big question is – has the loan done its job?

Tilio himself isn’t quite sure what lies ahead, “I’ll go away now, see what unfolds, what my options are and make the best decision that I feel for my career,” the Socceroos winger told NewsWire following that Grand Final win.

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)

It’s the kind of honest, open-ended statement you’d expect from a player who knows just how quickly things can change in football. For now, he’s doing exactly what Celtic will have wanted — he’s turned up, boots on, and ready to prove his point.

Pre-season can be a clean slate for many, and Tilio is no exception. For fringe players or returning loanees, these early fixtures are make-or-break. It’s a chance to show the manager they’ve grown, sharpened, and are ready to contribute. Tilio falls firmly in that category.

Marco Tilio of the City holds aloft the A-League Men 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 Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

It’ll be interesting to see if the winger features in tonight’s pre-season fixture against Cork City (kick-off 6pm). Even a brief cameo would give supporters a glimpse of where he stands — and perhaps more importantly, give Brendan Rodgers something to think about. With Celtic facing a busy domestic and European schedule this coming season, depth and versatility will be key.

Melbourne City, for their part, haven’t given up hope. According to NewsWire, the A-League club remains optimistic that Tilio could return on loan for the 2025-26 season. But that will largely depend on how much faith Rodgers shows in the young Aussie over the coming weeks.

Marco Tilio arrives at Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

For now, Tilio’s future hangs in the balance. But if he’s to make the grade at Celtic, this pre-season could be his second chance but also his last one.

Niall J

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image above to join.

More Stories / Latest News

Newcastle release £20m signing Callum Wilson, he’s one Brendan might like

Jul 8 2025, 16:10

Étienne Youte-Kinkoué fits the profile and would be a smart Celtic signing

Jul 8 2025, 14:59

Why Justin de Haas is exactly the kind of player Brendan Rodgers is seeking

Jul 8 2025, 14:09