The summer transfer window is heating up in Scottish football, with Celtic and Rangers both active in the market as they prepare for the upcoming season and European challenges. The Hoops have been busy on several fronts, looking to bolster their squad amid ongoing interest in key players and a flurry of transfer activity.
Celtic’s pursuit of fresh attacking talent has been marked by their interest in Danish winger Jakob Breum, who has caught the eye with his performances for Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2024-25 season, contributing 17 goal involvements across all competitions, including 10 goals and five assists in 26 Eredivisie appearances. Recognizing his potential, Celtic submitted an opening bid of £1.5 million, but Go Ahead Eagles swiftly rejected it, valuing Breum at around £5 million. Jan Willem van Dop, the club’s sporting director, emphasized the firm stance, stating, "There has been a bid for Jakob Breum from a foreign club. We are so far apart there. You have to stand your ground. He may have to realise that it could be very good to stay with us at least until the winter break, just like Oliver Edvardsen." Despite the setback, Celtic remain interested in Breum, who is versatile enough to play on both wings or as an attacking midfielder, offering the Hoops a dynamic option in the final third.
Meanwhile, Celtic are also intensifying their efforts to sign Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha. The 24-year-old has been a consistent performer for Antwerp, boasting 46 goal contributions in 141 appearances. Negotiations have been ongoing for several weeks, but a fee agreement remains elusive. Balikwisha’s agent recently denied any direct talks with Celtic, adding a layer of complexity to the saga. Nonetheless, the Scottish champions appear determined to increase their offer to secure the Belgian winger’s services ahead of their Champions League playoff commitments.
On the striker front, Celtic’s ambitions have been hit by Rennes’ reported capture of Romanian forward Louis Munteanu. The 23-year-old, who impressed during his time at Cluj, has been linked with Celtic, but French media claim Rennes have agreed a fee just shy of £10.5 million, apparently outpacing the Hoops in the race. Cluj’s head coach Dan Petrescu confirmed he would discuss Munteanu’s readiness for the Europa League qualifier on July 24, amid the transfer interest, but the move to Rennes seems to have taken precedence.
Adding to the reshaping of their squad, Celtic have offloaded several fringe players over recent weeks. Luis Palma, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Maik Nawrocki have all departed, while goalkeeper Scott Bain has moved to Falkirk. Notably, Greg Taylor and Nicolas Kuhn, the latter valued at £17 million, have also left the club, signaling a clear intent to refresh the squad. In a surprising development, South Korean midfielder Hyeokkyu Kwon, 24, is poised for a move to Ligue 1 side Nantes on a three-year deal. Kwon, who struggled to make an impact at Celtic and had loan spells at St Mirren and Hibs, is expected to undergo a medical imminently. Additionally, Australian winger Marco Tilio is close to joining Rapid Vienna on an initial loan with an obligation to buy for around £1.5 million.
In the domestic loan market, Livingston are reportedly on the verge of securing Celtic left-back Adam Montgomery on loan, beating competition from other English and Scottish clubs. The 23-year-old has experience from previous loans at Aberdeen, St Johnstone, Motherwell, and Fleetwood Town, and adds depth to Livingston’s Premiership squad. The Lions are also set to bring in Hearts midfielder Aidan Denholm on loan, alongside former Willem II striker Jeremy Bokila, as they prepare for their top-flight campaign.
Across the city, Rangers have started their European campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos in the Champions League second-round qualifier. The match saw goals from youngster Findlay Curtis and substitute Djeidi Gassama, who made an immediate impact by scoring minutes after coming on. Speaking after the game, Gassama shared his excitement: "It was massive. I'm very very happy to play my first minutes at Ibrox. This stadium is massive! What a beginning for me and for the club as well. Before I came on, the gaffer said stay wide, and when you have the ball, go one vs one and do your thing. So I got the ball, came inside, saw the keeper and shot. I enjoyed the celebration!" The win gives Rangers a strong advantage heading into the second leg in Athens.
Rangers’ transfer activity includes interest from Dutch giants Feyenoord, who are reportedly preparing a blockbuster bid for striker Hamza Igamane. The club is looking to reinforce their frontline as part of manager Russell Martin’s rebuilding project. Meanwhile, Rangers have seen the departure of Josh Windass, who has signed a three-year deal with Wrexham AFC after leaving Sheffield Wednesday. The ex-Rangers playmaker expressed his eagerness to contribute: "I’m looking forward to getting going. I’ve spoken to the manager, who has showed me his plans for the season and what he expects from the group, and I’ve really bought into that. I’d describe myself as honest and hard-working, I like to contribute goals and assists from midfield and that’s what I’m looking to bring to Wrexham." Additionally, Rangers youngster Mason Munn is attracting loan interest from Dunfermline Athletic, who seek to bolster their goalkeeping options.
Off the pitch, Ross Wilson is set to be offered the sporting director role at Newcastle United. Wilson, currently head of football operations at Nottingham Forest, is expected to fill the vacancy left by Paul Mitchell. His close relationship with Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe reportedly played a key role in the appointment process.
Elsewhere in Scottish football, St Mirren are actively strengthening their squad. Manager Stephen Robinson has secured Dutch winger Malik Dijksteel on a pre-contract from Cork City, with talks ongoing to bring him in during the current transfer window rather than waiting until January. Robinson expressed enthusiasm about the signing: "Malik is a player that we have kept tabs on over the last six months. He’s a real bright spark in the final third. He’s quick, direct, takes players on and I think the fans will really take to him." The Buddies are also pursuing goalkeeper Shamal George on loan from Wycombe Wanderers to compete with their current options.
In youth development news, former Motherwell captain Scott Leitch is set to take charge of Hamilton Accies’ youth academy. Leitch brings a wealth of experience from his managerial and coaching roles, promising to help rebuild the club’s elite academy after a summer of change. He will be joined by Michael Tidser and Kevin Harper, who will assist with youth sides as the club focuses on nurturing future talent.
On the wider European stage, Liverpool have confirmed the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old will join manager Arne Slot’s squad after receiving international clearance and is expected to feature in pre-season matches, including a trip to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan for the season, with an option to buy for a reported £26 million. Rashford, who was previously loaned to Aston Villa, had made it clear that Barcelona was his preferred destination this summer.
As the transfer window continues to unfold, both Celtic and Rangers are balancing squad refreshment with European ambitions. Celtic’s focus on reinforcing their attacking options and offloading fringe players indicates a strategic approach ahead of Champions League qualifiers. Rangers’ strong start to their European campaign and targeted signings reflect their intent to compete at the highest level under new management. Fans across Scotland will be watching closely as the summer progresses, eager to see how these moves translate on the pitch.
