The Celtic fans have a big Scottish Cup game against Hibs coming up but some do have an eye on events currently going on at Rangers.
Rangers are currently rumoured to be in the midst of a takeover from a consortium from American football giants, the San Francisco 49ers, as the Ibrox club looks to topple Celtic’s domination of Scottish football.
At the moment, according to Sky Sports, the proposed deal has been agreed in principle whilst the American businessmen complete their ‘due diligence’ on the club, but as yet, there has not been a peep from Celtic’s owners.
And why would there be? Until such a deal is concluded, it’s business as usual for the Parkhead club. Celtic has already been told that, whilst Brendan Rodgers is at the club, the takeover won’t matter.
The Celtic manager has the experience and spending power to take care of any challenge that comes his way but according to the BBC’s Chris McLaughlin, it seems that the club’s hierarchy is keeping close tabs on the Ibrox development.
12 Sep 1998: General view of the Celtic Park stadium during the Scottish Premeir League match between Celtic and Kilmarnoch in Glasgow, Scotland. The game ended in a draw 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport
12 Sep 1998: General view of the Celtic Park stadium during the Scottish Premeir League match between Celtic and Kilmarnoch in Glasgow, Scotland. The game ended in a draw 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport
Celtic ‘watching’ San Franciso 49ers Rangers bif ‘with interest’
McLaughlin told The Scottish Football Podcast [16m], “What I’m told is that Celtic are watching this closely with interest.
“Would I be worried if it was Celtic? I would be concerned that if they want their domination of Scottish football to continue, and of course they do, that they won’t see this as a challenge. They absolutely will see this as a challenge.
“They know that these guys are serious. These guys are here for the long term. They have the financial muscle.
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“But most importantly, I think they’ve got the business acumen in sport to make Rangers a force to challenge Celtic again. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that. So, are Celtic worried?
“I would have to ask Celtic directly, but I am told they are watching closely.”
Should Celtic be worried about Rangers’ proposed San Francisco 49ers takeover?
The Pakhead club have been dominant in Scotland for the vast majority of the 2000s, and there is no reason to see why that will change anytime soon.
With a well-run recruitment system, a successful player-trading mode, and a self-sustainable financial setup that complies with UEFA’s FFP rules, Celtic are in a great financial place to deal with any and all newcomers that want to challenge their domestic domination.
And whilst there is no deal completed yet, all Celtic can do is to continue to do what they do best. Sweep up the domestic trophies and keep the gap to Rangers growing, as they have done for the last three decades now.