As the Scottish Premiership preseason progresses, Celtic remain the only top-flight club yet to secure a new player, generating growing frustration among their supporters. Four days into July, while other clubs have bolstered their squads, Celtic’s transfer activity remains conspicuously absent, intensifying scrutiny of the club’s board.
Camilo Duran, the striker from Qarabag, is reportedly a target for the Hoops, but no formal move has materialized to date. Fans such as Bill Waugh of Glasgow expressed dismay at the board’s apparent inactivity, criticizing the club’s failure to sign players despite the start of preseason training. “Every club has signed players,” Waugh remarked. “The attitude of this board beggars belief.”
Denis Bruce from Bishopbriggs echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether the ongoing issues could drive manager Martin O’Neill to consider leaving. Bruce pointed to the potential departure of key players without imminent replacements and warned of the consequences if the club were to fail in qualifying for this season’s Champions League. “That would make last season’s annual general meeting look like a vicar’s tea party in comparison,” he added.
In contrast, Rangers have made several signings, with five new players joining Derek McInnes’ squad ahead of the new campaign. Some Celtic fans have criticized Rangers’ recruitment strategy, but Newtonhill resident Gary Stevenson suggested their activity provides points of discussion for supporters on both sides. “If it weren’t for Rangers transfer activity, they would have nothing to talk about,” he said.
The potential £25 million transfer of Arne Engels from Rangers to Nottingham Forest has also stirred debate among the Scottish football community. While some Rangers supporters have reacted skeptically to the reported fee, Gordon Ashley of Ayr voiced understanding for the frustration expressed by Chris Lowe, a Rangers associate, over losing the key player to Celtic’s rival. Ashley emphasized the contentious rivalry between the clubs, noting recent grievances including contested title claims and financial implications tied to European competition earnings.
Meanwhile, Lewis Fotheringham from Mount Ellen predicted that Rangers may end Celtic’s recent dominance this season. Highlighting McInnes’ managerial record, including a League Cup victory with Aberdeen and near misses at Hearts, Fotheringham expressed optimism about the squad’s prospects given its increased budget at Ibrox.
Elsewhere, Dundee secured a record transfer fee following Luke Graham’s £2 million move to Championship side Stoke City. However, Rangers fan Drew Ferguson of Oban questioned the wisdom of Graham’s decision to join a club that finished 17th last season, speculating whether financial incentives outweighed sporting ambitions.
In the wider Scottish football scene, attention has turned to the national team’s search for a new manager following Steve Clarke’s unexpected resignation. With rumors circulating about Clarke’s potential interest in the Netherlands job and other coaching vacancies, Charles Maxwell voiced the need for the Scottish Football Association to act swiftly. “The SFA need to get Neil McCann and Billy Dodds tied up before Germany come calling,” Maxwell joked, cautioning against being left with less desirable candidates.