Celtic and Rangers Summer Transfer Plans: Key Moves and Targets
Celtic’s summer planning has shifted up a gear, with movement on both arrivals and departures as Glasgow’s big two reshape their squads and Leicester weigh a bold dugout appointment.
Celtic open talks for Tahirovic as Engels interest grows
Celtic have made their first move for Benjamin Tahirovic, opening contact with Brondby over the 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder. The approach underlines a clear intent to refresh the core of Martin O'Neill’s side with younger, technically assured options in the middle of the park.
That midfield, though, is already under scrutiny from elsewhere. Arne Engels, just 22, is drawing serious attention from south of the border, with Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland all stepping up their interest. The trio are monitoring the situation closely as Celtic weigh up their own rebuild and assess how many key assets they are willing to lose in one window.
Former captain Jackie McNamara has warned that Celtic should be braced for more enquiries, tipping Canada right-back Alistair Johnston, 27, as another likely target for suitors. Johnston’s consistency and aggression down the flank have not gone unnoticed, and McNamara believes the club must be realistic about the level of interest that kind of form attracts.
O’Neill stays the course as Welsh heads for the exit
McNamara has also hailed O’Neill’s work in guiding Celtic to a domestic double last season despite a campaign riddled with injuries. The achievement has strengthened the board’s resolve. O’Neill, 74, has been spotted at Glasgow Airport and is expected to remain in charge next season, offering stability at a time when the squad itself could look very different.
One change already appears close. Centre-back Stephen Welsh is on the brink of a move to Swansea City. Out of contract after his loan spell with Motherwell, the 26-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Championship club, who hold an option for a further year. It’s a fresh start for Welsh and a reminder that Celtic’s depth chart is being redrawn in real time.
Rangers target Reynolds as Tavernier successor
Across the city, Rangers are pushing ahead with plans for life after James Tavernier. The Ibrox club have shown concrete interest in right-back Bryan Reynolds, with Westerlo open to a sale as the American’s contract runs down into its final year.
Westerlo still want a significant fee 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 candidates under consideration as Rangers search for a long-term replacement for their captain’s influence on the right side.
Midfield is also in flux. Hull City are weighing up a move for Dan Neil, while Middlesbrough have joined the race for the 24-year-old, who is leaving Sunderland and has already held talks with Rangers. The competition from Championship clubs adds another layer of intrigue to Rangers’ attempts to reshape the spine of their team.
One player they do not intend to lose is Jack Butland. The 33-year-old goalkeeper is attracting interest from Premier League sides as a potential back-up option, but Rangers have no plans to sell, underlining his importance to their immediate ambitions.
Leicester turn to Russell Martin after drop to League One
Away from Scotland, Leicester City are plotting their own reset after the shock of relegation to League One. The club are in talks with Russell Martin about taking over as head coach, turning to the former Southampton and Rangers boss to steer them through one of the most challenging periods in their modern history.
From Glasgow to the Midlands, the same question hangs in the air: who gets their rebuild right, and who misjudges a pivotal summer?
