Celtic and Rangers Face Pivotal Summer Decisions
Celtic and Rangers stand on the brink of another pivotal summer, with both Glasgow giants juggling incoming plans, looming exits and interest from England and beyond.
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, as they look to refresh the spine of the team. At 23, with international pedigree and room to grow, he fits the profile of a longer-term midfield project rather than a short-term stopgap.
At the same time, the champions find themselves under siege. Arne Engels, just 22, is drawing increasing attention from south of the border. Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland are all stepping up their interest in the midfielder, who has quickly played his way onto recruitment lists in England. Celtic may soon face a decision: cash in on a developing asset or hold their nerve and build around him.
There could be more pressure to come. Former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara has warned that the club should be ready for bids for Canada right-back Alistair Johnston. At 27, with international experience and a growing reputation, Johnston represents exactly the kind of modern full-back Premier League sides hunt. Any firm approach would test Celtic’s resolve and their wage structure.
McNamara has also reserved special praise for Martin O'Neill, who guided Celtic to a domestic double last season despite a campaign riddled with injuries. That achievement has not gone unnoticed. O'Neill, now 74, has been spotted at Glasgow Airport and is expected to continue as Celtic manager next season, a development that offers continuity at a time when the squad could be reshaped.
One player already heading for the exit is Stephen Welsh. The centre-back, out of contract after his loan spell with Motherwell, is closing in on a move to Swansea City. The 26-year-old has agreed a two-year deal, with the Championship club holding an option for a further year. For Welsh, it is a chance to reset his career in England; for Celtic, another indication that the defensive department will need attention before the new season kicks off.
Rangers: Right-Back Succession and Holding Their Nerve
Across the city, Rangers are working through their own transition. The club have shown concrete interest in right-back Bryan Reynolds, with Westerlo open to a sale as his contract runs down. They still want to secure a windfall for the 24-year-old, but the door is open.
Reynolds, a United States international who missed out on their World Cup squad, is one of several targets as Rangers prepare for life after James Tavernier at right-back. Replacing a long-term talisman is never straightforward. Reynolds offers pace, athleticism and age on his side, but Rangers know they cannot afford to get this call wrong.
In midfield, Rangers remain part of the conversation around Dan Neil. Hull City are weighing up a move for the 24-year-old, with Middlesbrough also keen, yet the midfielder has already held discussions with Rangers as he prepares to leave Sunderland. The battle for his signature is shaping up as a straight test of ambition: English Championship projects against the pull of Ibrox and European football.
One area where Rangers are refusing to bend is in goal. Jack Butland, 33, is attracting interest from Premier League clubs as a back-up option, but Rangers have no plans to sell. Keeping a settled, high-level goalkeeper is central to their rebuild, and losing Butland for a bench role elsewhere would cut against everything they are trying to construct.
Leicester Turn to a Familiar Face
The Scottish influence stretches south. Leicester City, reeling from relegation to League One, are in talks with Russell Martin about taking over at the King Power. The former Southampton and Rangers head coach has built a reputation for possession-heavy, progressive football. Leicester, desperate for a clear identity after their slide down the divisions, see him as a candidate to lead a reset.
So the summer gathers pace. Celtic chase fresh legs in midfield while bracing for bids on key men. Rangers search for the heir to Tavernier and fight to keep their No 1. Leicester look to a former Ibrox figure to drag them back up. The decisions made in the coming weeks will echo deep into the season.
