Celtic and Rangers Prepare for Summer Changes
Celtic and Rangers are bracing for a summer of change on and off the pitch, with both Glasgow giants at the heart of a restless British and European transfer market.
Celtic: Building, defending, and saying goodbye
Celtic have opened talks with Brondby over 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic, a move that underlines a clear intent to refresh the core of their squad. At 23, Tahirovic fits the club’s familiar profile: young, technically assured, and with potential resale value if he develops in Glasgow.
While one midfielder is being courted, another finds himself in demand. Arne Engels, 22, is attracting growing interest from Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland. The trio are all stepping up their pursuit, sensing an opportunity to prise a promising player out of Celtic’s hands. For the Scottish champions, that presents a familiar dilemma: cash in at the right price or hold firm and build around him.
There could be pressure from elsewhere in the squad too. Former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara has warned that the club should be ready for serious interest in Canada right-back Alistair Johnston, 27. Johnston’s consistency and aggression have not gone unnoticed, and McNamara’s comments carry the weight of someone who understands how quickly a settled back line can be picked apart once bigger leagues come calling.
McNamara has also taken time to hail Martin O'Neill’s work after guiding Celtic to a domestic double last season despite a spate of injuries. That achievement, in his eyes, reinforces why Celtic must do everything to keep stability in the dugout at a time when the squad could be reshaped.
On that front, there was a reassuring sight for supporters: O'Neill, 74, was spotted at Glasgow Airport and is expected to continue as Celtic manager next season. No fanfare, no big announcement, just a veteran manager quietly preparing for another campaign in charge.
One player who appears to be moving on is Stephen Welsh. The centre-back, out of contract after his loan spell at Motherwell, is closing in on a switch 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’s a chance to reset his career with regular football; for Celtic, another squad slot opens up as they consider defensive reinforcements.
Rangers: Replacing a captain, protecting a keeper
Across the city, Rangers are planning for life after James Tavernier. The club have shown concrete interest in right-back Bryan Reynolds, and his current side Westerlo are open to a deal, with his contract due to expire next year. They still want a respectable fee, but the clock is ticking on their leverage.
Reynolds, a United States international who missed out on their World Cup squad, is one of several names on Rangers’ shortlist for the position. The task is daunting: replace a captain, a set-piece specialist, and one of the most productive full-backs in the club’s modern history. Reynolds would bring energy and athleticism, but whoever comes in will be judged against Tavernier from day one.
Rangers are also active in midfield discussions. Hull City and Middlesbrough are both weighing up moves for 24-year-old Dan Neil, who is leaving Sunderland and has already held talks with the Ibrox club. That interest from England’s Championship underlines the level of competition Rangers face for players who can immediately lift their starting XI.
One area where Rangers are not entertaining change is in goal. Jack Butland is drawing attention from Premier League clubs looking for a back-up goalkeeper, but Rangers have no plans to sell the 33-year-old. His form and presence have given the team a reliable foundation; letting him go now would create a problem in one of the few positions that currently feels settled.
Elsewhere: Leicester turn to a familiar face
Beyond Glasgow, Leicester City are trying to plot a route back from the shock of relegation to League One. The club are in talks with former Southampton and Rangers head coach Russell Martin about taking over at the King Power. Martin’s possession-based approach divides opinion but has clear admirers in boardrooms, and Leicester appear ready to hand him the task of rebuilding a fallen Premier League champion.
As Celtic reshape around O'Neill, Rangers hunt for a new right-back and hold tight to their goalkeeper, and Leicester search for a new architect on the touchline, one question lingers: who will emerge from this summer stronger, and who will look back on it as the window that slipped away?
