With the January transfer window drawing closer, clubs across the leagues are already working quietly behind the scenes. Plans are being put in motion — identifying priority signings, deciding who can be moved on, and preparing for the usual mid-season reshuffle.
Scotland’s top two are no exception. At Celtic, the hunt for a new permanent manager continues, while Rangers boss Danny Rohl is gearing up for his first real chance to reshape the squad he inherited. But before either club dives fully into the market, both must deal with a number of internal contract decisions that could shape their squads for the next campaign.
As January 1 approaches, several players on permanent deals will officially enter the final six months of their contracts. That milestone allows them to speak to other clubs about pre-contract agreements, a situation that both Glasgow giants must now navigate.
For Celtic, three senior players will be in this position once the new year begins.
For Rangers, the number is even higher — seven first-team players, including club captain James Tavernier and key centre-back John Souttar.
Souttar has already made it clear that he wants to remain at Ibrox, but as of now, no new offer has been made. Adding to Rangers’ concerns, Danny Rohl confirmed that Souttar is facing time out after picking up a muscle injury on Scotland duty — a setback that could keep him sidelined until the end of the year.
Earlier in the summer, Souttar spoke to the BBC, expressing just how much he values playing for Rangers:
He described the club as “special”, saying he gives everything each time he pulls on the shirt. But with no contract talks progressing, his future remains uncertain.
Across the city, Celtic have their own big decisions to make.
James Forrest, one of the most decorated players in the club’s history, is coming towards the end of his contract. The winger has played a bigger role this season, but at 34 — turning 35 in the summer — his future may depend on who becomes the next permanent manager.
Veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, now 39, is also nearing the end of his stay after signing a one-year deal and then extending it through a player option. Discussions between him and the club will be needed to decide what comes next.
Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho has a club option built into the deal he signed upon joining from Sevilla, meaning Celtic hold full control over whether he stays.
Both clubs also have loan players whose stints will end in the summer, adding another layer of squad planning.
Rangers players out of contract in the summer
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John Souttar
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James Tavernier
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Rabbi Matondo
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Kieran Dowell
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Liam Kelly
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Bailey Rice
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Kieran Wright
Loans ending: Mikey Moore, Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons, Jayden Meghoma, Derek Cornelius (club holds option)
Celtic players out of contract in the summer
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Kelechi Iheanacho (club option)
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James Forrest
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Kasper Schmeichel
Loans ending: Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Marcelo Saracchi
Back at Ibrox, players like Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell are also entering the closing months of their contracts, and with neither featuring regularly, it seems likely they’ll be free to explore new opportunities as soon as January arrives.
Goalkeeper Liam Kelly, currently serving as Rangers’ second choice, may also be considering his next step. Having helped Scotland qualify for the World Cup, he may now want to secure a No. 1 spot elsewhere to boost his chances of being selected for the tournament.
Young midfielder Bailey Rice and back-up goalkeeper Kieran Wright are also approaching the end of their deals, adding to the list of decisions facing the Rangers board.
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