Celtic and Rangers Prepare for Major Summer Changes
Celtic and Rangers are braced for a summer of change on and off the pitch, with transfer lines crackling across Europe and old faces still shaping the story in Glasgow.
Celtic juggling arrivals, exits and interest
Celtic have opened talks with Brondby over Benjamin Tahirovic, the 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder. The move signals a clear intent to refresh the heart of their midfield, with the club sounding out whether the Danish side are prepared to do business.
At the same time, one of their own midfielders is drawing admiring glances from England. Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland are all ramping up their pursuit of Arne Engels, 22, whose profile and age make him an obvious Premier League and Championship target. Celtic may soon be forced into a decision: cash in on a rising asset or hold firm as bids intensify.
There could be pressure from elsewhere in the squad too. Former Celtic defender Jackie McNamara expects interest to arrive for Canada right-back Alistair Johnston, 27. Johnston’s consistency and aggression have not gone unnoticed, and McNamara’s warning feels less like speculation and more like a reminder of the market reality facing a club that develops and showcases talent so prominently.
McNamara has also reserved special praise for Martin O'Neill, after the veteran manager steered Celtic to a domestic double last season despite a punishing run of injuries. The achievement has not gone unnoticed inside the club either. O'Neill, 74, has been spotted at Glasgow Airport and is expected to stay on as Celtic manager next season, a stabilising presence at a time when the squad around him could shift significantly.
One player already on the move is Stephen Welsh. The centre-back, out of contract after his loan spell with Motherwell, is closing in on a switch to Swansea City. The 26-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Championship side, who hold an option for a further year. For Welsh, it’s a chance to reset his career in England; for Celtic, another squad space opens up as the rebuild gathers pace.
Rangers plot right-back succession and fend off interest
Across the city, Rangers are working through their own list of summer priorities, starting with the right side of their defence.
The Ibrox club have shown concrete interest in Bryan Reynolds, with Westerlo open to a sale as the American’s contract runs into its final year. The Belgian club still want a proper fee and hope to cash in on the 24-year-old, but the door is clearly open.
Reynolds, a United States international who missed out on their World Cup squad, is one of several names on Rangers’ shortlist as they prepare for life after James Tavernier at right-back. Replacing a long-serving captain is never straightforward; targeting a dynamic, attack-minded full-back like Reynolds underlines how central that position remains to Rangers’ identity.
Rangers also face a familiar challenge: keeping hold of key players when Premier League clubs come calling. Jack Butland is drawing interest from top-flight sides as a potential back-up goalkeeper, yet Rangers have no plans to sell the 33-year-old. With European qualifiers and a title race looming, they appear determined not to weaken a position they’ve finally stabilised.
Midfield, too, is in flux. Dan Neil, 24, is weighing up his next move as he exits Sunderland. Hull City are considering a bid, while Championship rivals Middlesbrough are also keen. Crucially, the midfielder has held discussions with Rangers, who are clearly in the conversation as he plots the next step in his career. Whether they can beat English clubs to his signature will say plenty about the pulling power of Ibrox this summer.
Leicester turn to a familiar face
Away from Glasgow, another story with a Scottish thread is developing. Leicester City are in talks with Russell Martin about taking over at the King Power Stadium following their relegation to League One.
The former Southampton and Rangers head coach has built a reputation for possession-based football and bold ideas. Now he is being lined up to lead one of English football’s fallen recent champions through a brutal reset in the third tier.
Celtic reshaping, Rangers reloading, Leicester rebuilding with a manager steeped in the Scottish game – the transfer window has only just opened, but the decisions made in the coming weeks will echo deep into the new season.
