Celtic and Rangers Prepare for Pivotal Summer Transfers

Celtic and Rangers are braced for a pivotal summer as transfer stories swirl around Glasgow and beyond, with both clubs juggling interest in key players and potential replacements while the wider British market shifts beneath them.

Celtic juggle arrivals, exits and a familiar face

Celtic’s recruitment team 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 is an exploratory step, but a clear sign Celtic want fresh legs and presence in the middle of the park.

At the same time, there is pressure from England for one of their own midfielders. Arne Engels, 22, is drawing growing interest from Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland. Those clubs are stepping up their pursuit, sensing an opportunity as they look to inject youth and energy into their squads. Celtic may soon be forced into a decision: cash in, or build around him.

On the right flank of their defence, another issue looms. Former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara has warned that the club should expect serious transfer interest in Alistair Johnston. The Canada right-back, 27, has impressed with his consistency and aggression, and full-backs of that profile are in short supply. If bids arrive, Celtic’s resolve will be tested.

McNamara has also turned the spotlight back on the man in the dugout. He has praised manager Martin O'Neill for steering Celtic to a domestic double last season despite a punishing run of injuries. That achievement, in his view, underlines why stability on the touchline matters as the club face another rebuilding job.

All signs point to that stability continuing. O'Neill, 74, has been spotted at Glasgow Airport and is expected to remain in charge next season. No grand announcement, no fanfare. Just the quiet confirmation that the architect of last year’s success is preparing for another campaign.

One player who looks set to move on is Stephen Welsh. The centre-back, 26, is out of contract after a loan spell with Motherwell and is closing in on a switch to Swansea City. He has agreed a two-year deal, with the Championship club holding an option for a further year. For Welsh, it is a fresh start and a chance to establish himself in the English game; for Celtic, it is another squad slot to address.

Rangers plan for life after Tavernier

Across the city, Rangers are shaping a new back line. They have shown concrete interest in right-back Bryan Reynolds, with Westerlo open to a sale as the American’s contract runs down next year. The Belgian club still want a decent fee and hope to secure a windfall before he walks away for nothing.

Reynolds, a United States international who missed out on their World Cup squad, is one of several names under consideration as Rangers look to replace James Tavernier at right-back. That sentence alone underlines the scale of the task. Tavernier has been a cornerstone of Rangers’ modern era; whoever follows him will walk into a demanding role and an unforgiving comparison.

Behind that defence, another pillar of the current side is drawing outside attention. Jack Butland, 33, is attracting interest from Premier League clubs as a back-up goalkeeper. The appeal is obvious: experience, reliability, and no need to walk straight into a number one shirt. Rangers, though, have no plans to sell. For now, they are standing firm, aware of how much upheaval they can afford in a single window.

Rangers are also hovering around the midfield market. Dan Neil, 24, is on their radar as he prepares to leave Sunderland, having already held discussions with the Ibrox club. Hull City are weighing up a move of their own, while Middlesbrough are also interested. It has the feel of a classic Championship tug-of-war, with Rangers trying to pull the player north before England’s second tier closes around him.

Leicester turn to a familiar operator

Away from Scotland, Leicester City are trying to plot a route back from the depths. Relegated to League One and in need of a reset, they are in talks with Russell Martin about taking over as head coach. The former Southampton and Rangers boss is known for his possession-heavy style and willingness to back young players.

For a club staring at the grind of third-tier football, Martin represents a clear identity and a long-term project. Whether that blend of idealism and structure is enough to haul Leicester back up the ladder will be one of the season’s more intriguing storylines.