Credit: Imago

Celtic at risk of conceding Scottish Premiership title already after Rangers’ transfer initiative

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

27 May 2026, 1:00 pm

Celtic are at serious risk of being left behind in the transfer window this summer as Rangers take early initiative.

The Hoops are yet to bring in a new face since the 2025-26 campaign, and while numerous names have been mentioned, no signings appear close.

In comparison, Rangers have already brought in Lawerance Shankland and are reportedly closing in on Luke Graham.

Celtic’s lack of business is likely down to there being no confirmation of who will be their manager for the 2026-27 campaign.

If things do not speed up soon, Celtic could miss out on the Scottish Premiership title, with Rangers looking to quickly repair their weaknesses.

Rangers will be a serious threat to Celtic next season

Just over a week since the 2025-26 campaign ended, Rangers have already solved one of their biggest issues, with Shankland likely to net goals with ease next season.

If Graham can follow the former Hearts captain to the club, it will also take a big step toward fixing the Gers’ defensive issues.

Position	Club	Points	Goal-difference
1st	Celtic	82	32
2nd	Hearts	80	33
3rd	Rangers	72	33

Celtic just pipped Hearts to the title

Given how early this business is taking place, Rangers are showing the rest of the division why they will be title contenders next campaign.

In comparison, Celtic’s squad is only set to get weaker, with multiple players out of contract and set to return to their parent clubs.

If the Hoops do not get their act sorted soon, they will have already conceded the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership title to their Old Firm rivals, who seem completely prepared for the upcoming challenge.

What are Celtic’s current summer transfer window plans?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Celtic could target several high-profile players towards the end of the transfer window.

The board are waiting to see if the club can qualify for the Champions League’s league phase, with the Hoops set to play a playoff round in August.

If they win the tie, they will reach the league phase, which will generate millions for the Old Firm outfit.

This season, they were unable to get past the playoff phase as they lost to minnows Kairat Almaty. However, under a new manager, they will fancy their chances of once again qualifying for the Champions League proper and playing against Europe’s best clubs once more.

Rangers

Celtic