Marco Tilio unlikely to return according to Melbourne City boss

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The Celtic Star

·16 Juli 2025

Marco Tilio unlikely to return according to Melbourne City boss

Marco Tilio’s future remains up in the air, but one thing looks increasingly clear – a return to Melbourne City for the 2025-26 campaign is not currently on the cards…

Marco Tilio of the City celebrates 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)

Australian outlet NewsWire carried comments this week from Melbourne City boss Aurelio Vidmar, who all but ruled out the prospect of Tilio returning to Melbourne, despite the club’s interest in bringing him back for another season Down Under.

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Quotes from Melbourne City boss Aurelio Vidmar

“It’s clear with Marco that he’s been pretty keen to go back to Europe,” Vidmar said. “He was involved in a friendly game last weekend, so it’s highly likely we won’t have the return of Marco, but we just don’t know where that’s going to end. He’s part of Celtic’s property. We don’t own the player, so we’ll see where that goes. There’ll be ongoing discussions until we actually know what’s happening before we make the next move.”

Marco Tilio arrives at Celtic. Photo Celtic FC

It’s an interesting development this one – and it shines a light on a situation that, frankly, Celtic need to resolve sooner rather than later. Tilio, still just 23, was signed in the summer of 2023 in a move many assumed would be a long-term investment. A five-year deal and a modest fee of £1.5m, but big expectations for a player who had performed well in the A-League with Melbourne City and shown his worth for the Australian national team.

It’s been a rocky introduction to life in Europe for Tilio

Fast forward a couple of years and it’s been a rocky introduction to life in Europe. Injuries and limited opportunities meant loans back to City was best for all parties. But now, having started Celtic’s pre-season friendly against Estrela Amadora in Portugal – and registering an assist for Reo Hatate’s opener – questions linger over whether Brendan Rodgers sees Tilio as part of his plans this term.

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 may well be the winger is still not viewed as first-team material – but that could be as much down to the stop-start nature of his Celtic career so far as any damning judgement. And with Celtic’s recruitment in the wide areas moving at a snail’s pace this summer, Rodgers may be in no rush to sanction a move away just yet.

Depth on the wings is a pressing concern for Celtic

Depth on the wings is a pressing concern. Jota is injured long-term, Nicolas Kuhn has made his ‘easy’ decision to head to Como, and Daizen Maeda whilst a suitable wide option seems very effective as a striker these days. Yang is still developing, but also rumoured to be heading away from Celtic, meanwhile Luis Palma is talented but just too inconsistent.

It’s not a stretch to say that Celtic could do with one or two new wide options before the window shuts – but if that doesn’t happen quickly, Tilio may well be asked to stay put.

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 Aussie might just force his way into the Celtic manager’s plans

There’s also the question of where he’d go if a loan was sanctioned. Back to Australia seems off the table, given Vidmar’s comments and Tilio’s desire to crack Europe. A loan to a Scottish Premiership rival – St Mirren, Dundee, perhaps even Hibs – might offer valuable experience and keep him in close proximity to the club. Alternatively, a lower-table club in Portugal or the Netherlands could provide the minutes and development he needs.

However, if Tilio can show in pre-season that he’s sharp, confident, and ready to contribute, as he did on Saturday, Rodgers may decide to hold off on any loan decisions. A couple more performances like his bright display against Estrela Amadora – where he was one of the more inventive players on the park – and the Aussie might just force his way into contention.

Brendan Rodgers. Queen’s Park 0-1 Celtic. 4 July 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Gut feeling is Marco Tilio is just a wee bit short of what Celtic needs

The winger situation at Celtic is fluid, and until reinforcements arrive, Brendan Rodgers may be forced to lean on players who weren’t initially pencilled in for major roles this season. For Marco Tilio, that could be a lifeline. And if he’s as determined to make it in Europe as Vidmar suggests, this could be his moment to seize his chance.

The gut feeling is Marco Tilio is just a wee bit short of what Celtic needs right now, but pre-season will give him a chance to prove himself a better player now than the one who arrived at Celtic two years ago.

Niall J

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