While Celtic move forward again with another new signing, Yuki Kobayashi, over at Ibrox, the Rangers are facing fresh problems, as the club struggle to catch up with the Hoops in the title race, have recently shown their manager the exit door and are searching for a new one, and could be staring at a difficult rebuild.
It wasn’t entirely unexpected but the official confirmation that Kobayashi is joining Celtic on a long-term 5-year contract is excellent news nonetheless. The early announcement of the deal, over a month before the January transfer window officially opens shows tremendous planning ahead by the club once again.
When it comes to the Rangers, however, there’s a gaping hole in the planning ahead with the departure of Giovanni van Bronckhorst and his coaching team. Former chairman Dave King’s recent comments will not help the Ibrox club either.
As reported by The Herald, King spoke at length in a Q&A session with the members of Club 1872, where he addressed the concerns of the supporters and the shareholders, and the former chairman said:
"“The fact is, I was already having concerns about where this regime was headed. These concerns went back.“I felt some of the things happening were unacceptable, un Rangers-like. The treatment of ex players, the treatment of supporters.“I felt voting against Graeme would make that point. I had to put my money where my mouth was and use my vote to go along with what my concerns were.“It was heading in the wrong direction. I didn’t like the way Steven (Gerrard) was forced out of the club.“It’s not the way to treat people that delivered a title for us.”"
Rangers face fresh problem while Celtic continue with signings
It is safe to say that the situation is far from ideal as they face a potential rebuild after just a year and a half of winning the league by a gap of 25 points over Celtic. That’s how quickly things can change in football.
Meanwhile over at Celtic the planning ahead continues and Ange Postecoglou has already indicated further signings are being finalised already. It is brilliant.
Not only have Celtic already confirmed the signing of Kobayashi but they also appear to be closing in on a move for Canadian international, Alistair Johnston, who has been one of the best defenders in the MLS, where he plays for CF Montreal. Overall, it is safe to say that the Hoops are moving in a positive direction.