Celtic and Rangers: Summer Transfer Strategies Unfold
Celtic and Rangers stand on the brink of another turbulent summer, with both Glasgow giants juggling incoming targets, Premier League interest and the looming loss of key figures.
Celtic: Building While Others Circle
Celtic have moved early. The club have made contact with Brondby over the availability of Benjamin Tahirovic, the 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder. It’s a clear statement: fresh legs and energy in the middle of the park sit high on the agenda.
At the same time, others are eyeing up Celtic’s own talent.
Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland are all stepping up their interest in Arne Engels. The 22-year-old midfielder has attracted growing attention, and the queue forming down south underlines how closely English clubs are watching Celtic’s squad for value.
Alistair Johnston is another name being pushed into the shop window, whether Celtic like it or not. Former captain Jackie McNamara believes the club should be braced for bids for the Canada right-back, now 27 and firmly established as a reliable presence. When ex-players start talking about “expecting” offers, it usually means agents and scouts are already busy.
McNamara has also reserved strong praise for Martin O'Neill after last season’s domestic double, delivered despite a punishing run of injuries. The veteran manager, 74, has been spotted at Glasgow Airport and is expected to continue in the Celtic dugout next season. Continuity at the top, churn beneath him: a familiar pattern in Glasgow.
One player already heading for the exit is Stephen Welsh. The centre-back, out of contract after a loan spell at Motherwell, is closing in on a move to Swansea City. The 26-year-old has agreed a two-year deal, with the Championship side holding an option for a further year. It’s the kind of move that can quietly reshape a career, and it leaves Celtic with another defensive gap to address.
Rangers: Replacing a Captain, Protecting a Keeper
Across the city, Rangers are wrestling with a different kind of problem: replacing an institution.
James Tavernier’s long reign at right-back is edging towards its conclusion, and Rangers have turned their attention to Bryan Reynolds. Westerlo are open to a transfer for the 24-year-old American, with his contract up next year and a sale now the logical route to a fee. They still want a windfall from his departure, and Rangers are not alone in the market, but the interest is described as concrete.
Reynolds, a United States international who missed out on their World Cup squad, is one of several names on the list as Rangers try to reshape the right side of their defence. Whoever comes in will walk into a huge role, following a captain whose numbers and influence have defined an era at Ibrox.
In midfield, Rangers are part of the conversation around Dan Neil. Hull City are weighing up a move for the 24-year-old, with Championship rivals Middlesbrough also keen, but the Sunderland man has already held discussions with Rangers as he prepares to leave the Stadium of Light. The battle for his signature stretches across leagues and ambitions.
At the back, Rangers know exactly what they have and what they want to keep. Jack Butland is attracting interest from Premier League clubs as a potential back-up goalkeeper, a testament to his form and reliability. Rangers, though, have no plans to sell the 33-year-old. Stability in goal is non-negotiable for a side trying to claw back domestic supremacy.
Leicester Turn to a Familiar Face
Beyond Scotland, another storyline carries a distinctly Glasgow flavour. Leicester City are in talks with Russell Martin about taking over as manager following their relegation to League One. The former Southampton and Rangers head coach is being considered as the man to lead a reset at the King Power Stadium.
As Celtic look to reinforce while fending off suitors, and Rangers attempt to rebuild key positions without losing their spine, the summer window is already crackling with intent. The only certainty is that by the time it closes, both clubs – and perhaps a fallen Premier League champion – will look very different.
