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24 January 2026

Thomas Muller Transfer Rumors Ignite Rangers And Celtic Transfer Frenzy

Scottish football fans debate blockbuster signings, disciplinary controversies, and rising young stars as the transfer window nears its dramatic close.

As the Scottish football transfer window barrels toward its dramatic finale, speculation, excitement, and a touch of anxiety have gripped fans of both Rangers and Celtic. The January window, always a time of rumors and wild predictions, has reached fever pitch this week, with the possibility of a legendary signing and a flurry of squad reinforcements dominating conversations from podcasts to pub tables across Scotland.

At the heart of the storm is Rangers, who find themselves at the center of one of the most sensational transfer rumors in recent memory. The buzz began in earnest during a recent episode of the "Game On" podcast, where the prospect of Bayern Munich icon Thomas Muller donning the blue jersey at Ibrox was floated. The suggestion, initially met with disbelief, has since ignited the imaginations of the Gers faithful.

James Perrie, a lifelong supporter from Crookston, captured the mood perfectly after a Europa League night at Ibrox. "I almost jumped out of my chair when I heard Muller could be coming to Rangers," Perrie recalled. "His experience and leadership could be just what we need to win 56." Perrie’s excitement was fueled by a conversation with a source at the stadium who was convinced Muller was the "secret signing" set to electrify the fanbase. It’s not every day that a player of Muller’s pedigree is linked with a Scottish Premiership side, and the mere suggestion has sent social media and phone-ins into overdrive.

The roots of this rumor aren’t entirely baseless. Danny Rohl, the current Rangers manager, boasts a close relationship with Muller from their time together with the German national team. This connection, highlighted repeatedly on "Game On," has led some to believe that a move, however ambitious, is not entirely out of the question. In a week where fans have been encouraged to dream big, the names of Antonio Rudiger and Sebastiaan Bornauw have also surfaced, though these are widely understood to be more speculative. Rohl’s network in German football is undeniable, and his reputation for building strong foundations has earned him praise from pundits and supporters alike.

Not everyone is convinced that such a "wow" signing will materialize. On the podcast, Craig Swan and Gavin Berry debated the likelihood of Rangers landing a superstar. Swan was quick to inject a dose of realism, dismissing some of the more outlandish suggestions. Still, the consensus remains that Rohl is intent on making a statement before the window slams shut. The pursuit of Bornauw, the Belgian center half currently at Leeds United, is seen as a more attainable target, leveraging the club’s connections and the manager’s eye for defensive solidity.

Meanwhile, the blue half of Glasgow isn’t the only side plotting reinforcements. Celtic, fresh off a turbulent week in the Europa League and with a mammoth Premiership clash against Hearts looming, are actively seeking to bolster their ranks. The signing of Czech striker Tomas Cvancara was a start, but as commentator Craig Swan observed, "one isn't enough and with him just being the one would add a massive burden." The need for more firepower up front is evident, and names like Kieron Bowie from Hibs have emerged as potential targets, though the reported £6.5 million price tag has raised eyebrows.

Midfield and goalkeeping positions are also under scrutiny at Parkhead. Martin O’Neill, a voice of experience, acknowledged that Cvancara alone cannot solve all of Celtic’s problems. Interest in Arne Engels persists, while the performances of veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel have prompted questions about his long-term suitability. Stefan Ortega, currently out of favor at Manchester City, has been mooted as a possible solution, with his experience and reliability seen as valuable assets. Yet, as Gavin Berry pointed out, it might be "a little bit unfair on Viljami Sinisalo," who has performed admirably when called upon.

The transfer window drama is not limited to the Old Firm giants. Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise has emerged as one of the most talked-about young prospects, attracting keen interest from across the league. With a contract running until 2027 and a one-year option, the 20-year-old winger’s value is the subject of heated debate. Estimates range from £1 million to upwards of £3.5 million, with comparisons drawn to previous Motherwell sales such as James Scott’s £1 million move to Hull City and Celtic’s £3 million outlay for David Turnbull. As Gavin Berry mused, "the question really is whether this is just a purple patch or if he's real quality," underscoring the risk and reward nature of January business.

Hearts, meanwhile, are quietly making their own case for title contention. Currently top of the league, they are earning grudging respect from traditional powerhouses. Stephen Johnstone of Ardentinny was blunt in his assessment: "Hearts are proving they can compete," he said, while lamenting the underperformance of both Rangers and Celtic. The call for both clubs to "splash the cash" and invest in true quality rather than "misfits" has become a familiar refrain among fans desperate for European success and domestic dominance.

Transfer speculation aside, on-field controversies and debates continue to swirl. Celtic’s disciplinary record has come under the microscope after Reo Hatate’s recent red card. Robert Forrest, a concerned supporter, pointed out the statistical oddity: "Celtic have had five red cards in 25 European games but have had none in 86 domestic matches. Does anyone have an explanation for this?" The disparity has reignited discussions about refereeing standards and consistency across competitions.

Youth development is another hot topic, particularly at Rangers, where 19-year-old Findlay Curtis has won admirers with his cameo against Ludogorets. Russell Black from Banchory was emphatic: "It is absolutely imperative that Danny Rohl plays Findlay Curtis from the start at every opportunity even in place of Moore. He is exactly what we need, his drive going forward and his defensive capabilities, he absolutely must be given game time." The plea to keep Curtis at Ibrox and not send him out on loan reflects a broader desire to see homegrown talent flourish.

And then there are the perennial debates that transcend transfer windows. Duncan McDougall from Greenock reignited the argument over the rule preventing goalkeepers from picking up back-passes, blaming it for a controversial Celtic goal and longing for the days of the old Mould Master ball and pre-1990 World Cup laws. "The rule is ridiculous," he argued, echoing a sentiment shared by traditionalists across the country.

For those seeking the latest updates and expert analysis, the "Game On" podcast remains a go-to source, offering insights from Craig Swan and Gavin Berry on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. As the clock ticks down on the transfer window, Scottish football fans are bracing for a flurry of last-minute deals, hoping that their club lands the signing that will tip the balance in this fiercely contested season.

With the window still open and rumors swirling, the only certainty is that the final days will be anything but dull. Whether Thomas Muller makes a sensational move to Ibrox or Celtic land the reinforcements they crave, the coming week promises drama, debate, and perhaps a few surprises that will shape the rest of the campaign.