AdminCeltic and Rangers are set to return to Scottish Premiership action this weekend, with Celtic facing Dundee and Rangers taking on Dundee United. However, before they can focus on their league matches, they have midweek European games to contend with. Celtic will host Young Boys in the Champions League, while Rangers will travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Europa League.
As the January transfer window continues to unfold, rumors and speculation surrounding both teams are ramping up. One of the latest headlines involves Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers, who has been linked with a potential exit from the club despite his impressive hat-trick performance against Fraserburgh. According to journalist Hugh MacDonald, Dessers’ high wage demands may be a stumbling block in any potential sale, with Rangers needing to compromise on the transfer fee or wages to facilitate a move.
Despite the ongoing exit talks, Dessers has received backing from his teammate Connor Barron, who praised the striker’s performance and expressed his desire to see him remain at the club. Barron said: “Cyriel’s been brilliant. And again on Sunday he gets a bit of confidence. He’s got his three goals and an assist, so all the boys are buzzing for him. And we know how good a player Cyriel is and it’s great to see him.”
Meanwhile, Celtic’s out-of-favor defender Maik Nawrocki has been linked with a loan move to Oxford United in England. The U’s are looking to strengthen their backline and have been proactive in their pursuit of new signings, according to manager Gary Rowett. Rowett said: “I know Ed [Waldron, head of football operations] is spending every waking hour speaking to agents and clubs, trying to sign players. We’re certainly very proactive.”
Nawrocki has made just one appearance for Celtic this season, a cameo appearance against Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup back in September. With only five minutes of football under his belt this campaign, a loan move to Oxford United could provide him with the opportunity to gain more playing time and experience.
As the transfer window continues to heat up, it remains to be seen what other moves Celtic and Rangers will make. With both teams looking to strengthen their squads and make a push for the top of the Scottish Premiership, the next few weeks are likely to be filled with excitement and speculation. Will Celtic and Rangers be able to make the signings they need to stay ahead of the pack, or will they be left scrambling to keep up with their rivals? Only time will tell.
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