Rangers manager Philippe Clement and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers

Rangers title hopes boosted after Celtic transfer development

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

26 Aug 2024, 3:10 pm

Philippe Clement's biggest aim at Rangers will be to pip Old Firm rivals Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title this season - at least it should be.

The Gers had the chance to lift just their second league title in a decade last season, though a spectacular drop in form saw Brendan Rodgers' side take the top spot for the third successive season.

Clement's inability to defeat the Hoops has already seen him come under considerable pressure at Ibrox, which has only worsened after his squad were knocked out of Champions League qualification.

However, Celtic's latest transfer update will offer the Gers a new hope that they can lift their 56th Scottish Premiership title this season.

Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Matt O'Riley on a five-year deal, splashing over £25million on the 23-year-old ahead of the 30 August deadline [BBC Sport], which can only be a positive for the Gers.

Rangers handed title boost as Matt O'Riley joins Brighton

While the Hoops are not just one player, O'Riley has been a hugely important player for them since joining in January 2022 and has haunted Rangers on far too many occasions.

Facing the Gers on 15 occasions, the Danish international has secured 10 wins while also bagging two goals and five assists, and his stats don't just stop there.

Rangers manager Philippe Clement

He notched 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions last season, some of which coming against Champions League opposition, so Rangers will be pleased to see the back of him.

There are few players who have had the same impact as O'Riley in Scotland over the last few seasons, so Clement should see his move to the Premier League as the perfect chance to take the league title back to Ibrox.

Celtic will get the chance to reinvest the money further down the line, but this departure ensures the Gers' only realistic title rivals have now been weakened just in time for the first Old Firm of the season.

In other Rangers news, Jack Butland reacts as a new exit is confirmed at Ibrox.

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Rangers

Celtic

Matt O'Riley

Philippe Clement