Celtic and Rangers pursue European targets amid high player valuations
Glasgow's dominant football clubs are actively trading high-value assets and pursuing cross-border acquisitions, highlighting the increasing financial integration of Scottish football within the broader European market.
Celtic is preparing a revised financial offer for Torino midfielder Gvidas Gineitis. The Serie A club has set a valuation of approximately £12m for the 22-year-old Lithuanian international, signaling a premium on young talent in the current market.
To balance this expenditure, Celtic is leveraging its roster for outbound capital. The Glasgow club expects to sell Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston for around £14m this summer, with Premier League sides Everton and Fulham competing to acquire his services.
Despite these outbound movements, Celtic's management is curbing further defensive spending. Manager Martin O'Neill confirmed he has no current plans to acquire a new centre-half, citing the return of Cameron Carter-Vickers from an Achilles injury as sufficient cover.
Rangers is simultaneously executing its own cross-border acquisition strategy to rebuild its attacking options. The Ibrox club is currently in formal discussions with Coventry City to secure the transfer of 23-year-old winger Jahnoah Markelo.
In defensive recruitment, Rangers has opted against pursuing Scotland defender Scott McKenna. The club previously explored a loan arrangement with Dinamo Zagreb before redirecting its resources to sign Olwethu Makhanya instead.
The market for domestic talent remains active across multiple European leagues, driving up valuations for Scottish-based defenders. Anderlecht is in negotiations to acquire 25-year-old full-back Will Ferry from Dundee United, a player also monitored by newly-promoted Bundesliga side Schalke 04 during Friday's draw against Rangers.
Both Glasgow clubs are also tracking overlapping targets, though squad availability complicates potential deals. Algeria winger Fares Ghedjemis, a shared transfer objective, was notably absent from the Frosinone squad for their pre-season friendly against Benevento.
The secondary market for experienced personnel is also drawing continental interest as clubs manage wage structures. Former Rangers captain James Tavernier, operating as a free agent since his May departure, is now attracting attention from French clubs Paris FC and Nice.
