Scottish football is buzzing with transfer drama and Champions League anticipation as the summer window enters its final stretch. With both Celtic and Rangers making headlines for their moves on and off the pitch, fans are glued to every development, whether it’s a blockbuster signing, a high-stakes negotiation, or a young talent catching the eye of Europe’s elite. Let’s dive into the latest twists and turns shaping the fortunes of Scotland’s biggest clubs and their rivals.
Rangers, always eager to strengthen their squad for domestic and continental campaigns, have hit a snag in their pursuit of Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy. The 21-year-old had been a top target for the Ibrox club, with negotiations running for several weeks. However, according to market insider Matteo Moretto, talks have now broken down. "Negotiations for Nobel Mendy with Rangers Football Club have broken down," Moretto confirmed, leaving the Light Blues to reassess their defensive options just as the season ramps up.
Despite that setback, Rangers have moved swiftly to reinforce their backline, snapping up left-back Jayden Meghoma on loan from Brentford. Meghoma, who made his senior debut under current Rangers boss Russell Martin at Southampton, arrives as a direct replacement for the outgoing Jefte, who is on the verge of a £6 million move back to Brazil with Palmeiras. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, with Rangers preparing for a massive £40 million Champions League playoff showdown against Club Brugge.
Meghoma is relishing the challenge, expressing both excitement and confidence about his ability to slot seamlessly into Martin’s system. "I’m very excited. It's a fantastic club and I know a lot about its history. Knowing the manager was probably the biggest influence coming here. I know Russell from my time at Southampton, I think he's a fantastic coach and I understand the way he plays, so I think for me to get integrated into the team, it'll be quite quick," Meghoma told reporters. His familiarity with Martin’s style could prove invaluable as Rangers aim to secure a coveted spot in the Champions League group stage.
Meanwhile, the transfer rumor mill continues to swirl around Ibrox. Midfielder Nico Raskin has attracted serious interest from Premier League outfits Wolves, Aston Villa, and Brighton, as well as Serie A side Fiorentina. Rangers have slapped a hefty £25 million price tag on the Belgian international, making any potential deal a significant windfall for the Glasgow club. And that’s not all—French club Lille are reportedly considering reigniting their pursuit of striker Hamza Igamane after their manager, Bruno Genesio, publicly voiced his frustration over the lack of summer signings. The Light Blues’ new owners, 49ers Enterprises, have stood firm on their £15 million valuation of Igamane, though Feyenoord is also rumored to be eyeing a move.
Across the city, Celtic are also making waves as they gear up for their crucial Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty. Manager Brendan Rodgers is pushing for reinforcements to bolster his squad, with Feyenoord’s Calvin Stengs emerging as a key target. Reports suggest Celtic have reached out to the winger’s representatives in the past week to gauge interest and explore a possible deal. However, their pursuit of Napoli striker Giuseppe Ambrosino has hit a pause, as the Italian club is unwilling to sanction his exit until the severity of Romelu Lukaku’s thigh injury is fully assessed.
Parkhead is also abuzz with news of a contract extension for young goalkeeper Marcus Gill, who has been offered a new long-term deal. The Republic of Ireland under-19 international, currently out of contract next summer, is viewed as a potential future first-team option after impressing on loan at Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Celtic’s focus on youth development remains strong, with Gill’s progression through the academy offering hope for continued homegrown success.
Elsewhere in Scotland, Aberdeen are on the verge of signing AC Milan forward Marko Lazetic, with the player having completed his medical ahead of a switch to Pittodrie. Defender Slobodan Rubezic is likely to depart, having traveled to Poland for a medical with Korona Kielce. Aberdeen could also benefit financially from Udinese’s interest in Bristol City and Scotland defender Ross McCrorie, thanks to a 20% sell-on clause. Meanwhile, St Johnstone have rejected another bid for Makenzie Kirk from Championship rivals Dunfermline, with Luton Town also monitoring the former Hearts striker.
The transfer action isn’t limited to the Old Firm and Aberdeen. Hearts’ academy starlet Keir McMeekin is attracting attention from a host of Premier League giants, including Brighton, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Wolves, and Manchester United. The 16-year-old can’t sign professional terms in Scotland until next year, but his performances have already put him on the radar of England’s top clubs. Hearts are keen to retain McMeekin, drawing parallels to the situation with James Wilson, who resisted advances from south of the border to become a mainstay at Tynecastle.
Back in England, Matt O’Riley, formerly of Celtic and now at Brighton, has poured cold water on speculation linking him with a £30 million move to Juventus. "I’m very happy here. I’m having fun. That’s all I know at the moment. I did go to Fabian in pre-season to reiterate I am here as a Brighton player to help the team as much as possible. I was aware there was a lot of noise around me and I think that helps just settle the situation in general," O’Riley told the media after scoring in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Meanwhile, Napoli are reportedly weighing up a loan move for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee as cover for the injured Lukaku. The Serie A champions are anxiously awaiting updates on Lukaku’s fitness after his thigh injury in a pre-season friendly with Olympiacos. If Lukaku faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines, Zirkzee could be drafted in to bolster Napoli’s attacking options.
In other European developments, Real Madrid are said to be eyeing Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, who is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield. The Spanish giants have reportedly been told they can secure the French defender for around £35 million, as Liverpool look to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
As the transfer window ticks towards its conclusion, Scottish clubs are bracing for more twists and turns. With Champions League places and millions in transfer fees on the line, every decision could shape the destiny of the season ahead. All eyes now turn to the upcoming European clashes and the final flurry of transfer activity, as managers, players, and fans alike wait to see who will make the decisive moves before the window slams shut.
