‘I See Cracks in Celtic with Transfer Fears Over Four Starters – So Maybe This Rangers Claim is a Myth,’ Says Hugh Keevins
Veteran pundit Hugh Keevins has sparked debate across Scottish football with his latest column, claiming there are “cracks beginning to show” at Celtic amidst transfer fears over four key starters – and pouring cold water on suggestions that Rangers can’t challenge for the title.
Keevins, never shy of stirring the pot, addressed what he describes as a “myth” being pushed by some sections of the media and support: that Celtic are already destined to retain their Premiership crown regardless of what their Old Firm rivals do. But with serious uncertainty looming over the futures of several key players, Keevins insists the Hoops are far from unshakeable.
“I see cracks forming at Celtic Park,” Keevins wrote. “Talk to anyone behind the scenes and you’ll hear the same names over and over – Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Kyogo Furuhashi. That’s four automatic starters, four core players Brendan Rodgers relies on to carry the team. And all of them are being linked with moves away.”
Keevins continued: “You cannot brush that off, no matter how confident the fans feel. There’s a growing fear inside the club that offers could come in that are simply too big to turn down, especially with English and European sides lurking.”
The respected journalist questioned the club’s preparedness to replace such vital contributors, suggesting the Parkhead side may be entering the most volatile summer of Rodgers’ second tenure.
“Last season, Celtic stumbled toward the finish line but still got the job done. But with Champions League football now guaranteeing real financial muscle, the club faces a balancing act – keep their stars or cash in and rebuild. That’s a dangerous line to walk.”
Keevins contrasted this with Rangers, who have been bullish in the transfer market early in the window, bringing in fresh faces and working hard behind the scenes to ship out those not in manager Philippe Clement’s plans.
“Rangers fans are being told they’re in transition, that they’ll need another year before they’re serious challengers. But what if that’s not true? What if that’s just a myth?” Keevins asked. “Clement has been proactive. He’s not sitting on his hands. The Ibrox club is moving smartly in the market while their rivals appear to be hesitating.”
Keevins did concede that Rangers still have areas to improve – particularly in attacking depth and consistency – but he suggested the narrative that Celtic are streets ahead is outdated.
“If you’re looking purely at squads right now, you might still give Celtic the edge,” he said. “But if you factor in possible exits, fan expectations, and the weight of Europe, that edge is razor-thin. In fact, if those four players leave, it’s a whole new ball game.”
Keevins’ comments have ignited reactions from both halves of Glasgow, with Celtic fans accusing him of scaremongering, while some Rangers supporters are hailing his take as a long-overdue dose of realism.
With the transfer window heating up, one thing is clear – Keevins’ remarks have added more spice to a rivalry that needs no fuel.
