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The Celtic and Rangers stars out of contract in January
The January transfer window is fast approaching as clubs begin planning behind the scenes to land top targets and let players move on.
It will be no different in Scotland and in particular at both Celtic and Rangers as the Hoops continue their search for a new boss and Danny Rohl gets ready for his first chance to bring in his own players to the Gers squad he inherited.
However, Glasgow’s big two also have some internal matters in terms of expiring player contracts — while a host of loan players will also depart come the summer.
But those on the books permanently will head into the final six months of current deals when January 1 rolls around and that puts them in a position that allows them to discuss pre-contracts elsewhere.
For Celtic, they find themselves with THREE players in that position going into the new year.
While at Rangers it is SEVEN, including club skipper James Tavernier and key defender John Souttar.
The latter has previously expressed a desire to remain a Rangers player, but as things stand, nothing has been put on the table.
Danny Rohl also confirmed he now faces a spell out on the sidelines due to a muscle injury picked up on Scotland duty that could keep him out of action for the rest of the year.
Rangers stars almost out of contract
Speaking back in the summer, Souttar told the BBC: “Look, I love this place. I love this club.
“I love being here. That’s really all I’ll say on the matter. I’ve not really heard much recently, so all I can do is train hard every day.
“Every day I step on the pitch, I enjoy playing for Rangers because I know how special the club is to play for.
“Every time I step on the pitch, I give it 100%, and I’m sure the rest will take care of itself.
“Whatever happens, will happen. All I can say is, every time I pull on that jersey, I’m honoured, and that will never change. Every time I step on that pitch, I’ll give everything.”
Over at Ibrox Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell are both heading into the final stretches of deals and with both out of the picture, you’d imagine they are free to find new homes as early as January.
Liam Kelly is currently No. 2 between the sticks at Rangers and after Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup, his mind might be thinking something different.
He could well move on at the end of the summer to try to become a No. 1 again, like he did successfully at Motherwell, but could the finals next summer have him champing at the bit for a January move?
Youngster Bailey Rice and back-up goalkeeper Kieran Wright are also in the out-of-contract category at the club.
Celtic contracts
Across the city, Celtic legend James Forrest is up for renewal.
He’s played a more important role this year and is the most decorated player in club history.
The 34-year-old, who turns 35 in the summer, will likely have to wait for a permanent manager to be named before anything moves on that front.
Similarly, 39-year-old Kasper Schmeichel has a decision to make between himself and the club as he heads into the final six months of his stay after initially penning a one-year deal before extending his deal via the option he held.
Kelechi Iheanacho has a club option in the terms he signed after joining as a free agent from Sevilla. So that one is firmly in the court of the Scottish champions.
Rangers player contracts ending in the summer
- John Souttar, James Tavernier, Rabbi Matondo, Kieran Dowell, Liam Kelly, Bailey Rice, Kieran Wright.
Loans expiring — Mikey Moore, Nasser Djiga, Max Aarons, Jayden Meghoma, Derek Cornelius (club hold option)
Celtic player contracts ending in the summer
- Kelechi Iheanacho (club hold option), James Forrest, Kasper Schmeichel.
Loans expiring — Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Marcelo Saracchi
*Stats and contract details from transfermarkt*
