Here are some of the free agents that are still available to Rangers and Celtic after deadline day.
Transfer shopping may be done for the 25/26 season but the winter deadline day’s passing doesn’t mean signings won’t still occur.
Rangers recruited Ryan Naderi on the final day to take their ramping up for the Premiership title race to four new stars, while Celtic made three signings. The Hoops left their business late to seal Benjamin Arthur, Joel Mvuka and Junior Adamu as the window shut, as they look to retain their league crown.
There are still other stars out there though who are in need of clubs, with Celtic linked to an ace currently training at Arsenal. Here are some of the free agents Rangers or Celtic could sign post-deadline day.
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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Midfielder has vast experience from time at Southampton, Liverpool and Arsenal, out of contract since leaving Besiktas, and currently training at Arsenal amid their midfield woes. Celtic said to be interested and Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta hasn’t shut down the possibility of sealing a playing return to the Gunners. Amid injury to Mikel Merino, Arteta said: “We explore every option. We are on it (finding a replacement for Merino).
“And it’s our responsibility, when we are playing for what we are playing, to give ourselves the best opportunity and chance to look at the market, every option, evaluate them, and then make a decision whether we do something, if it’s possible. When you lose a big player like this in the squad with four months to go and all the competitions to play for, you need to look.”
Ryan Kent
Undoubtedly had the best spell of his career at Rangers as they won the title in 2021 but form has hit the skids in recent years. Stints at Fenerbahce and Seattle Sounders haven’t worked out, but could Rangers in a title chase be just the tonic to get his career going again? Has quality, just needs tapped into.
Kurt Zouma
Another experienced campaigner in England but a couple of odd moves abroad haven’t worked and he recently dipped into free agency. Celtic are looking a touch light in experience at central defence and Rangers have had their issues in that area too at times this season.
Jesse Lingard
Emerged as a bright Manchester United prospect and showed talent at West Ham United too. Last spotted with FC Seoul and attack-minded player is looking for his next challenge. Now 33.
Jason Denayer
Belgian defender was a top loan acquisition for Celtic between 2014-15 but has seemingly not played at a professional level since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Fateh last season. Match sharpness and fitness clearly to be considered but quality with knowledge of Scottish game is there.
Dele Alli
His Tottenham breakout brought promises of the next big talent in England but career has slowly hit difficulty. Hasn’t got going at Everton or Besiktas but Como saw enough in him to give him a chance in Serie A last year. Could Rangers or Celtic do similar for the midfielder who once showed world-class traits?
Rey Manaj
Albanian international has top level experience in his younger years at Inter Milan and Barcelona. Hit the goal trail most recently at Sivasspor and recently exited Al-Sharjah in the UAE. One of the few options left who have played and scored at a decent level recently.
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