Rangers are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, with multiple outlets suggesting an agreement could be reached as soon as the start of next week. The Ibrox club is eager to finalize the transfer swiftly, as the 30-year-old forward is due to join Scotland’s World Cup squad imminently, complicating negotiations.
Shankland has been a standout performer for Hearts and the Scottish national team, known for his clinical finishing and ability to lead the line. Last season, his goals were instrumental in Hearts’ domestic campaign, and he has become a key figure for Scotland, earning caps and contributing in crucial fixtures. His availability this summer has drawn attention from Rangers, who view him as a solution to their attacking shortcomings.
The urgency behind Rangers’ push stems from the upcoming World Cup, where Shankland is expected to feature. Once he departs for international duty, talks could stall, and the club wants to avoid a prolonged saga. Reports indicate that negotiations have progressed rapidly, with a cut-price deal on the cards, given Shankland’s contract situation and age.
For Rangers, adding a proven Scottish Premiership goalscorer would address a critical need. Last season, the team struggled to convert chances in key moments, costing them league points and cup ties. Shankland’s physicality and awareness in the box could provide the focal point they have lacked since Alfredo Morelos’s departure. His leadership as Hearts captain also adds intangible value to a squad that has shown inconsistency.
However, the move is not without risk. At 30, Shankland is not a long-term investment, and his transition to the demands of playing for Rangers—with higher expectations and pressure—will be scrutinized. Yet, in a market where alternatives are costly, his domestic experience and immediate impact potential make him attractive.
In parallel, Celtic’s managerial situation remains fluid. Interim boss Martin O’Neill, who secured a double, expects to meet major shareholder Dermot Desmond soon and insists he must be considered for the permanent role. O’Neill’s credentials are strong, but Celtic may also explore other options, making the upcoming talks pivotal for the club’s direction.
Meanwhile, further afield, Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a cut-price move for AC Milan’s Rafael Leão. The Portuguese winger has been a long-term target, and with Milan potentially open to a deal, United could seize a market opportunity. However, financial fair play constraints and the need to balance the squad means any move hinges on outgoings.
Closer to home, Daizen Maeda is set to play his final game for Celtic, with speculation linking the Japanese forward with a move away. Maeda’s energy and work rate have made him a fan favorite, but his departure would open space for a new arrival as Celtic look to rebuild under a new manager.
The Shankland saga encapsulates the precarity of the Scottish transfer window: deals must be done quickly before international commitments and inflated prices take hold. For Rangers, securing their target early would send a statement of intent to rivals Celtic, while Hearts face the task of replacing their talisman.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
