The Hidden Reason Behind Marco Tilio’s Permanent Celtic Exit

Marco Tilio is ready to leave Celtic for Rapid Wien on a permanent basis after both clubs agreed to amend the parameters of his planned move.

The 23-year-old was originally set to join the Austrian club on loan for roughly €400,000, with a condition that would make the deal permanent after 20 games, bringing the total sum into the seven figures.

That plan has already been abandoned, with Rapid instead arranging a full transfer right away on terms that better suit their budget.

Tilio joined Celtic in the summer of 2023 from Melbourne City, but has struggled to make an impression under Brendan Rodgers.

He appeared just twice in all competitions before returning to Australia on loan in January. While there were hopes that he would return and compete for a spot, it became evident that he was not part of the club’s long-term strategy.

The revised agreement will now bring his brief stay in Glasgow to a halt. Rapid sees this as an opportunity to sign a player with potential while avoiding the possibility of a higher fee in the future.

Celtic’s choice was also affected by FIFA’s new international loan restrictions. Clubs can now send only six players on loan to foreign clubs, eliminating under-21s and local players.

With four first-team players already out and Stephen Welsh and Hayato Inamura expected to leave, Tilio’s permanent departure helps keep those few positions open.

It also frees up a non-EU spot on Celtic’s squad as the club continues to reorganize its roster for the coming season.