Celtic and Rangers are stepping up preparations ahead of the upcoming Scottish Premiership campaign.
Celtic have a chance to reshape their squad in the weeks ahead, with the transfer window offering Brendan Rodgers the opportunity to add reinforcements and potentially offload players who are surplus to requirements.
At Ibrox, a new chapter is underway as Russell Martin begins his reign as Rangers’ manager, having been appointed as the full-time successor to Philippe Clement. The former Southampton boss will be keen to make a strong impression in his first season in charge.
Austria Wien eye Celtic midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu
As per Fussball Europa, Austrian side FK Austria Wien have shown interest in Celtic midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu, whose future at the club remains uncertain. The 24-year-old South Korean joined Celtic in 2023 following a spell at Busan IPark, but has struggled to break into the first team.
Since signing, he’s had loan spells at St Mirren and Hibernian, where he gained valuable minutes. Speaking after his arrival at Hibs last year, then-interim manager David Gray said:
“Hyeokkyu offers versatility in midfield, capable of playing both as a deep-lying 6 and a more advanced 8. He’s athletic, competitive, and technically sound.”
Malky Mackay, Hibernian’s Sporting Director, praised the signing as well, calling him a high-calibre professional who added presence to the team:
“We’re grateful to Brendan Rodgers and Celtic for facilitating the move quickly and professionally.”
With Austria Wien now monitoring the situation, Celtic must decide whether to give Kwon another chance or sanction a permanent exit.
Gassama deal nearing completion
Meanwhile, Rangers appear to be closing in on another attacking reinforcement. French journalist Sebastien Vidal posted on X that Djeidi Gassama is “edging closer” to a move to Ibrox, despite recent reports from The Star indicating that talks had stalled.
The 21-year-old winger has been a standout performer for Sheffield Wednesday and has caught the attention of Rangers’ recruitment team as they look to strengthen their options in the final third. Gassama is not only seen as a source of immediate impact but also a player with long-term potential.
The ex-PSG youth product made a senior appearance for the Ligue 1 champions before heading out on loan to Eupen, later joining Wednesday following their promotion to the Championship. Since then, he’s established himself as a key player in South Yorkshire, racking up 84 appearances and contributing 12 goals.
His speed and attacking drive have made him a fan favourite at Hillsborough, and his departure will be a blow for the Owls. However, the move to Rangers represents a major step in Gassama’s career development as the Glasgow side rebuild under Russell Martin.
