Celtic One Result Away from Title as Post-Split Premiership Fixtures Confirmed
Celtic could secure the Scottish Premiership crown on 26 April when they visit Dundee United, needing just a draw to mathematically confirm their dominance. The reigning champions hold a commanding 15-point advantage over Rangers with only five games left, putting them on the verge of a 13th league title in 14 seasons. In a post-split schedule that raises some familiar concerns about fixture balance, the SPFL has now confirmed the remaining fixtures for both the top and bottom halves of the table. The final Old Firm clash of the campaign is set for Sunday 4 May at Ibrox – a potentially fiery occasion even if the title is already wrapped up. Aberdeen kick off their top-six run with a home tie against Hibernian, while Rangers will travel to face St Mirren in their opener. The top-six fixtures will all conclude on Saturday 17 May with simultaneous 12:30 BST kick-offs. However, the post-split format has once again led to some uneven home-and-away tallies. Hibernian must travel to St Mirren for a third time this season, granting the Buddies 20 home matches and only 18 away. Motherwell, meanwhile, will end their campaign having played 20 away fixtures. It’s the first season since 2017-18 where fixture balance couldn’t be maintained across the league. At the other end of the table, St Johnstone begin their survival bid away to Motherwell. They sit bottom, five points behind the rest with time running out. Just six points separate seventh-placed Hearts from 11th-placed Dundee, with only the side finishing 12th relegated automatically. The team in 11th will enter the play-offs. Bottom-half clubs will conclude their campaigns a day later than the top six, with all games on Sunday 18 May at 15:00 BST. 🔝 Top Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Dundee United v Celtic (12:30) Aberdeen v Hibernian (15:00) St Mirren v Rangers (15:00) Saturday 3 May Hibernian v Dundee United (15:00) St Mirren v Aberdeen (15:00) Sunday 4 May Rangers v Celtic (12:00) Saturday 10 May Celtic v Hibernian (15:00) Dundee United v St Mirren (15:00) Sunday 11 May Rangers v Aberdeen (12:00) Wednesday 14 May Aberdeen v Celtic (19:45) Rangers v Dundee United (19:45) St Mirren v Hibernian (19:45) Saturday 17 May (All 12:30) Celtic v St Mirren Dundee United v Aberdeen Hibernian v Rangers 🔻 Bottom Six Fixtures Saturday 26 April Hearts v Dundee (15:00) Kilmarnock v Ross County (15:00) Motherwell v St Johnstone (15:00) Saturday 3 May Dundee v Motherwell (15:00) Ross County v Hearts (15:00) St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (15:00) Saturday 10 May Hearts v Motherwell (15:00) Kilmarnock v Dundee (15:00) St Johnstone v Ross County (15:00) Wednesday 14 May Dundee v Ross County (19:45) Hearts v St Johnstone (19:45) Motherwell v Kilmarnock (19:45) Sunday 18 May (All 15:00) Kilmarnock v Hearts Ross County v Motherwell St Johnstone v Dundee
Rangers Set for Summer Overhaul as 49ers Enterprises Prepare to Back Six New Signings
Rangers Set for Summer Overhaul as 49ers Enterprises Prepare to Back Six New Signings Rangers are preparing for a major summer rebuild, with 49ers Enterprises ready to inject significant funds into the squad in an effort to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, sources have revealed to Football Insider. The Ibrox side managed to cling to slim title hopes thanks to a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser from Ianis Hagi at Pittodrie on Sunday, denying Celtic the chance to seal the league with five games remaining. But with Rangers now trailing their Old Firm rivals by 15 points and holding a significantly inferior goal difference, any realistic shot at reclaiming the title this season is all but gone. Plans are already in motion for a transformative summer under the incoming ownership of 49ers Enterprises. According to sources close to the club, the American investment group intends to back the arrival of at least six new signings to kickstart a new era at Ibrox. Permanent Deals for Loan Stars on the Table With several players currently on loan, including Vaclav Cerny, Rafael Fernandes, and Oscar Cortes, Rangers are expected to push for permanent deals—particularly prioritising a move for Wolfsburg winger Cerny, who has been one of the standout performers this season. It remains to be seen whether these loan deals will be included within the six new signings or come in addition to them, but the intention from 49ers Enterprises is clear: build a squad capable of matching Celtic stride for stride next season. Managerial Decision Looms Before any transfer business can truly ramp up, a decision must be made on the managerial front. Rangers legend Barry Ferguson is currently in interim charge, but Football Insider has reported that he is unlikely to be offered the role on a permanent basis. Once a new manager is appointed, 49ers Enterprises are expected to provide immediate financial backing in the transfer market, with an emphasis on high-impact signings. The goal is to not just add depth, but to bring in players who can change the course of a season. Eyeing Ambitious Moves The American owners understand the scale of the challenge ahead. Bridging the gap to Celtic will require bold moves—both in management and recruitment. Speculation has even emerged over potential interest in prising Scotland international Greg Taylor away from Parkhead, a move that would certainly send shockwaves through Scottish football. For Rangers supporters, this summer represents a turning point. With new investment, a new manager, and a squad refresh on the cards, the pressure is on for the club to hit the ground running. 49ers Enterprises have made their intentions clear: the days of settling for second are numbered.
Hamza Igamane £20m bid incoming from European Giants
Marseille are considering a summer bid below Rangers’ valuation of £20m for forward Hamza Igamane, but Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, Nice, Rennes and Tottenham Hotspur are also all keen on the 22-year-old Morocco international. (TeamTalk)
Kieran Tierney rejected offers from Bundesliga
Kieran Tierney rejected offers from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, Everton, Juventus and Sevilla as the 27-year-old Scotland defender sealed a summer return to boyhood club Celtic from Arsenal six-and-a-half years after leaving in a £25m deal. (The Herald)