Celtic and Rangers Prepare for Summer Changes

Celtic and Rangers stand on the brink of another summer of upheaval, with both Glasgow giants juggling incoming targets, Premier League interest and the looming loss of key figures.

Celtic: Building While Others Circle

Celtic have moved early. The club have made contact with Brondby over 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder Benjamin Tahirovic, a clear sign that the champions are intent on refreshing the heart of their side before the serious business begins.

At the same time, others are eyeing up Celtic’s own talent. Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland are all stepping up their interest in 22-year-old midfielder Arne Engels. The Premier League duo and the Wearside club sense opportunity, and Celtic may soon be forced into a decision over a player whose profile continues to rise.

That theme of interest from elsewhere won’t surprise Jackie McNamara. The former Celtic defender believes the club should brace themselves for bids for Canada right-back Alistair Johnston, now 27 and firmly established as one of the most reliable full-backs in the league. Johnston has become a cornerstone of Celtic’s back line; players like that don’t go unnoticed for long.

McNamara has also reserved praise for Martin O'Neill, crediting the veteran manager for steering Celtic to a domestic double last season despite a season scarred by injuries. It was a campaign that could easily have unravelled. It didn’t. O’Neill held it together.

And it looks like he is staying to oversee the next phase. The 74-year-old has been spotted at Glasgow Airport and is expected to continue as Celtic manager next season. Stability in the dugout, uncertainty in the squad. A familiar summer script in Glasgow.

One player already edging towards the exit is Stephen Welsh. Swansea City are closing in on the signing of the Celtic centre-back, who is out of contract following his loan spell at Motherwell. 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 fresh start; for Celtic, it’s another space to fill in a defence that may yet see more change.

Rangers: Replacing a Captain, Protecting a Keeper

Across the city, Rangers are wrestling with their own key decisions.

The club have shown concrete interest in right-back Bryan Reynolds, with Westerlo open to a transfer as the American’s contract runs down into its final year. The Belgian side still want a significant fee, hoping to cash in properly on the 24-year-old before he walks away for nothing.

Reynolds is not a luxury target. He is one of several names on the list as Rangers plan for life without James Tavernier at right-back. Replacing a captain, a creator and a constant presence is no small task; it will define their summer.

In midfield, Rangers have been in the conversation for Dan Neil as he prepares to leave Sunderland. Hull City are weighing up a move, while Championship rivals Middlesbrough are also interested in the 24-year-old. Neil has already held discussions with Rangers, but the competition is real and the clock is ticking.

One position Rangers are not keen to disturb is in goal. Jack Butland is attracting attention from Premier League clubs as a potential back-up goalkeeper, a testament to his form and reputation. Rangers, though, have no plans to sell the 33-year-old. With so much else in flux, they intend to keep their No 1 exactly where he is.

Leicester Turn to a Familiar Face

The ripple effect of Rangers’ recent past is being felt in England too. Leicester City are in talks with former Southampton and Rangers head coach Russell Martin about taking over at the King Power following their relegation to League One.

Martin’s possession-heavy style split opinion in Glasgow and on the south coast, but Leicester’s hierarchy see him as a candidate to lead a reset after a bruising drop. If he takes the job, it will be another intriguing chapter in a career already closely watched on both sides of the border.

So the picture is clear enough. Celtic are trying to strengthen while fending off suitors. Rangers are hunting replacements while clinging to their most reliable pieces. Leicester are reaching back into the Scottish game for a new direction.

The window has barely opened, and already the next season’s storylines are being written.