How the Scottish Premiership UEFA coefficient shapes European places
A close insight on how the UEFA coefficient is calculated and what it means for European qualification A poor season in Europe for Scottish clubs, means damage to the coefficient. From heartbreak in Kazakhstan for Celtic, demolition in Belgium for Rangers and humiliation for Aberdeen in Greece, it’s been a season to forget for Scottish clubs competing in Europe. However, Celtic have a chance to progress further into the Europa League if they manage to win against struggling FC Utrecht on Thursday evening, which will make a slight difference to the coefficient. Together, a total of 4 points have been added to the coefficient for Scotland so far, and with only three wins in total from group stage action and the Europa League campaign coming to an end this has caused problems for the Scottish coefficient. Scotland sit well outside the top 15 and trail Cyprus by 3.893 points, which means a reduced number of teams competing in Europe next season. Champions League qualifiers could possibly turn into Conference League qualifiers for second and if you manage to win the Scottish Cup, four qualifying rounds sit in front of you before group stage football is even mentioned. Financially all together, Scottish sides including Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen, Hibs and Dundee United have made a total of €37.2 million in earnings, with Rangers and Celtic both earning over €15 million. €40 million was guaranteed for Celtic if they beat Kairat Almaty in August which they failed to do so. But if Rangers go on to win the title under Danny Rohl, they would have a good chance of being guaranteed automatic qualification to the Champions League, but there are a few things that would need to go there way if that was to happen, including Greek giants Olympiacos and Danish side Copenhagen failing to progress domestically and in Europe. As of next season, Rangers will lose a huge portion of their coefficient points (19), which was accumulated with their amazing run in the Europa League which they got to the final in 2022. This will mean Rangers will begin next season with a high percentage chance that automatically qualifying to the Champions League if they win the title in 2026/27 would not be possible due to this season’s shocking run. And if this poor European form continues in Scotland, by season 2027/28 the impact will hit, when the first-place achievement is Champions League qualifying round 2. If this is the case, trying to bring talent into the Scottish League and trying to keep a hold of talent will be very difficult as top players want to play in top European competitions, and if Scottish teams can’t offer that then players will look elsewhere, which could hurt Scottish football.
Danilo linked with Rangers exit as January window nears closing
Rangers have received a bid for Danilo worth €2 million from Champions League side Pafos Danilo’s future at Rangers looks like it could be over as he is heavily linked with a move away from the club. Original interest from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen looks to be overruled, as recent reports suggest that the Brazilian could be on his way to Cyprus. Earlier on this afternoon, Pafos FC submitted a €2 million bid for the Gers striker, as they are interested in Danilo joining the Brazilian superstar, David Luiz. Danilo, who is still contracted at Rangers until 2028, has had a tough time at Ibrox with major injuries being a key factor. And with only three goals to his name in the league and two strikers in front of him in terms of team selection, a move away could offer Danilo the chance to rebuild the confidence that earned him a €6 million move to Ibrox in the summer of 2023. With Danilo’s departure imminent, Rangers are eyeing up his replacement already, German striker Ryan Naderi looks like the one that could be filling Danilo’s shoes. The 22-year-old has 13 goal contributions in 17 matches in the third division of Germany, and is reported to be very eager to join Rohl’s squad who are deep in the race to lift the Scottish Premiership come May.
German Giants RB Leipzig targeting Celtic star Arne Engels in deal worth £11 million
Arne Engels could potentially return to Germany after his big move from Augsburg to Celtic in the summer of 2024 Engels joined Celtic in a deal that was worth a staggering £11 million and is Celtic’s record transfer fee as of today. Leipzig sit fifth in the Bundesliga and are just off the back of a 5-1 defeat to German champions Bayern Munich, however, The Red Bulls are reportedly interested in strengthening their squad and bringing the Belgian international to their side. Engels hasn’t been able to please all supporters in his time in a green and white jersey, and coming to Parkhead being the record signing, supporters expect you to hit the ground running immediately. He has registered 14 goals and 18 assists in his 85 appearances for the club, but some supporters may have expected a little bit more from him so far. With the Scottish Premiership race for the title tight, Martin O’ Neill will understand that keeping a hold of players that can make a difference in this title challenge is vital. However, reports from Germany state that Engels isn’t the only player Leipzig have eyes on, AC Milan’s Ardon Jashari is another target. But reports also declare that a move for these 2 players will only happen if a deal for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Rocco Reitz is unable to happen. And there are claims that RB Leipzig may be reluctant to see this one through, as his release clause is understood to just be under the £25 million mark. Engels has also made 4 first team appearances with the Belgian National Team, but recently he hasn’t been able to be impress Rudi Garcia enough to get himself called up. With a World Cup just around the corner, Engels will be looking to give himself the best opportunity to get on that plane to North America come June. Will a potential move away from Parkhead give him the best chance?
