Celtic and Rangers Prepare for Summer Rebuild

Celtic and Rangers are braced for a summer of upheaval on and off the pitch, with transfer interest swirling around key players and managers’ futures edging into focus.

Celtic juggling targets and departures

Celtic’s recruitment team has moved early. The club have made contact with Brondby over the availability of Benjamin Tahirovic, the 23-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder, as they look to refresh the heart of their side. It’s a clear signal: Celtic intend to be active, not reactive, in this window.

At the same time, interest in their own talent is beginning to bite. Arne Engels, just 22, is drawing serious attention from south of the border. Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland are all stepping up their pursuit of the midfielder, with the English market once again circling around Celtic Park.

Former captain Jackie McNamara has warned that Celtic should be ready for similar approaches for Alistair Johnston. The Canada right-back, 27, has grown into a reliable presence and, in McNamara’s view, is exactly the sort of modern full-back who will tempt bigger leagues. Celtic may soon have to decide whether to cash in or hold firm.

McNamara has also reserved strong praise for Martin O'Neill, crediting the veteran manager for steering Celtic to a domestic double last season despite a campaign riddled with injuries. That achievement now frames the next chapter. O’Neill, 74, has been spotted at Glasgow Airport and is expected to continue as Celtic manager next season, a development that would bring stability at a time when the squad itself could be reshaped.

One player already heading for the exit is Stephen Welsh. The centre-back, out of contract after his loan spell with Motherwell, is closing in on a move to Swansea City. The 26-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the Championship club, who will hold an option for a further year. It’s a fresh start for Welsh and a reminder that Celtic’s defensive options will need attention before the new season kicks off.

Rangers plan for life after Tavernier

Across the city, Rangers are quietly constructing their own rebuild. The club have shown concrete interest in right-back Bryan Reynolds, with Westerlo open to a sale as the American’s contract runs down. They still want a significant fee, but the door is open.

Reynolds, 24, a United States international who missed out on their World Cup squad, is one of several options as Rangers prepare for the looming challenge of replacing James Tavernier. That task will define their summer. Tavernier’s influence runs through the team; finding the next long-term right-back is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

In midfield, Rangers remain in the conversation for Dan Neil. Hull City are weighing up a move, with Middlesbrough also interested, but the 24-year-old has already held talks with Rangers as he prepares to leave Sunderland. If they can push that deal over the line, it would add energy and craft to the centre of the park at a crucial moment in their rebuild.

There is also outside interest in one of their most reliable performers. Jack Butland has caught the eye of Premier League clubs as a potential back-up goalkeeper. Rangers, though, have no plans to sell the 33-year-old. In a summer of change, holding on to a proven No. 1 looks non-negotiable.

Managerial dominoes start to fall

The turbulence is not confined to Glasgow. Leicester City, reeling from relegation to League One, are in talks with Russell Martin about taking over at the King Power. The former Southampton and Rangers head coach is being lined up to oversee a reset at a club that has fallen hard and fast.

As Celtic look to reinforce around O’Neill and Rangers piece together a post-Tavernier blueprint, the next few weeks will shape not just squads, but the balance of power. The question now is who moves quickest—and who dares to hold their nerve.