Celtic fc and Rangers have been involved in plenty of activity away from the pitch, with players, former stars and club figures all offering their views ahead of Sunday’s showdown. Rangers are also facing questions over the futures of some of their players, while Celtic have had their own developments to consider following the summer transfer window.
Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren has now revealed that he was the subject of transfer interest during the summer. The Sweden international, however, insists that his focus remains firmly on Celtic despite interest in his services. His admission provides an insight into the attention he attracted during the window and comes at a time when his importance to the Celtic squad continues to grow.
Nygren’s decision to remain focused on Celtic will be welcomed by supporters, particularly with the club preparing for a major domestic fixture. The midfielder will now have the opportunity to demonstrate his commitment on the pitch as Celtic prepare to face their city rivals in a high-pressure League Cup encounter.
Across Glasgow, Rangers have also been dealing with transfer speculation involving Nicolas Raskin. The midfielder has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, but Rangers are reportedly prepared to block any approaches for the Belgian until the January transfer window opens.
Raskin remains an important part of the Rangers midfield, making his availability a significant issue for the club. With the season underway and a major derby approaching, Rangers appear determined to keep hold of their key players rather than allow another distraction to develop around the squad.
There has also been an unusual development involving Nedim Bajrami. The Rangers midfielder, who moved on loan to Saudi Arabian club Al-Taawoun, has reportedly been deemed ineligible for the AFC Champions League Two because of financial reasons connected with the transfer.
Meanwhile, Rangers have brought a familiar face back into their coaching structure. Former defender Stevie Smith, who served as caretaker manager for one match last season, is returning to the club in a coaching role with the under-19s.
Smith’s experience with the club makes his return particularly interesting, especially as Rangers continue to develop players within their academy system. His previous experience as both a player and first-team caretaker gives him an understanding of the demands associated with representing the Ibrox side.
The focus, however, remains on Sunday’s Old Firm meeting, with former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson calling for an extremely aggressive approach from his former club.
Ferguson has urged Rangers to “go for the jugular” against Celtic and believes the visitors should be made to “hate every single second” of the derby. His comments underline the intensity expected when the two rivals meet, particularly with a place in the next round of the League Cup at stake.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton has also offered his thoughts on the tactical battle. Sutton recalled being asked to play at centre-half during a previous match at Ibrox, but believes the Old Firm derby is not the occasion for unnecessary experimentation.
Sutton expects Camilo Duran to be deployed as a central striker rather than being moved out to the left wing. The tactical decision could prove significant, with Celtic needing their attacking players to provide a consistent threat against a Rangers side expected to approach the match with considerable intensity.
The contrasting views from Ferguson and Sutton demonstrate just how much attention is already surrounding the fixture. Rangers will be looking to impose themselves physically and mentally, while Celtic will be hoping their attacking quality and tactical discipline can give them an advantage.
For Nygren, the derby also represents another opportunity to show Celtic supporters exactly what he can contribute. His revelation about summer interest may have generated fresh discussion about his future, but the midfielder has made his immediate priority clear.
With both clubs determined to advance in the competition, the transfer stories surrounding Nygren and Raskin will temporarily take a back seat when the two sides meet. The attention will ultimately shift from speculation to performance, with Celtic and Rangers preparing for another fiercely contested chapter in their historic rivalry.
