With the January transfer window open for business, many expected to see some big-time moves take place. Whether it involves clubs like Chelsea, Monaco, Real Madrid or AC Milan, fans around the world all had expectations for just what we would see during this transfer window. That said, few likely expected an Old Firm arms race to break out between Celtic and Rangers.
Each needing less than a week’s time, both Glasgow clubs have quickly pounced during the January window. Adding true quality to both their clubs, the Old Firm rivalry has quickly heated back up. This time, however, this rivalry is taking place in the boardrooms instead of on the pitch.
Transfer Window: Rangers and Celtic in Old Firm Arms Race
Currently sitting first and second in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic and Rangers are once again truly competing against one another on the pitch. Running away with the last seven straight league titles, Celtic finally find themselves in a true fight for supremacy at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Defeated by Rangers for the first time since April 2016 just before the new year, Celtic found themselves clinging to a small lead at the top of the league. Realizing that the club needed to add both quality and depth, Celtic wasted little time recruiting two key players to Celtic Park.
Signing both Timothy Weah and Oliver Burke on-loan for the remainder of the season, Brendan Rodgers’ side have made some massive strides forward. Both players are young, hungry and talented and both will make an immediate impact for the club.
In Weah, Celtic get an extremely talented forward. Capable of playing on the wing as well as in front of goal, the addition of Weah immediately gives the thin Celtic attack some options going forward. Adding into this is the fact that Weah is extremely pacy. A potential star for Paris Saint-Germain going forward, Celtic have found themselves a huge potential star.
Adding width to their game, Oliver Burke will also add to Celtic’s thin attacking corpse. A true winger, the Scottish international also has the ability to play forward if need be. For Burke, the loan move is also a dream come true considering he was a Celtic supporter during his youth.
However, as stated above, Celtic were not alone in their active start to the transfer window. Joining Celtic in the loan department was arch-rival Rangers. Also adding quality and depth to their squad, Rangers have differed from Celtic in one key aspect. Experience.
Signing both Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis and former England international Jermain Defoe, Rangers have made two hugely important signings. While the best days are long behind both players, both offer huge amounts of leadership and experience. Two qualities that will be key to Rangers title challenge during the second half of the campaign.
By adding Jermain Defoe, Rangers have signalled an intent to truly challenge Celtic this season. Having scored 273 goals in his club career, Defoe is truly one of the greatest English strikers in history. While not a great anymore at 36-years of age, Defoe is someone that can still score at key times.
Equally important though is the re-signing of midfielder Steven Davis. Playing for Rangers from 2008-2012, Davis is someone that Rangers supporters will remember fondly. Following a great seven-year tenure on the South Coast of England with Southampton, Davis will look to bring Rangers their first league title since before he left the originally left the club.
With both Celtic and Rangers having an active start to the transfer window, the Scottish Premiership looks set for a barn-burning second half. The Old Firm Rivalry may truly be back. Both on the pitch and in the boardroom.
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