12 free agents Rangers and Celtic could consider this summer transfer window including ex Man Utd duo

Rangers and Celtic are both hunting transfer bargains this summer and the free agent pile still has plenty of interesting candidates available to them.

The Light Blues have already used this market to sign Cammy Devlin, Lawrence Shankland and Dan Neil this window while the Premiership champions have captures Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kelechi Iheanacho in recent times. Whether or not either side continue to shop here remains to be seen but there are options aplenty for various needs.

From players formerly of Manchester United to a Scotland international and an Ibrox hero, here are some of the names Rangers and Celtic could sign this summer.

Myziane Maolida (attacker, last club - Al-Kholood)

Maolida turned heads in Scotland on loan from Hertha Berlin at Hibs in 2024. That unlocked a move to the Saudi Pro League where he has continued to score with regularity. Wages would be a factor here but there’s proven top flight experience alongside someone coming into their prime at 27.

Axel Tuanzebe (defender, last club - Burnley)

Tuanzebe was once a promising prospect at Manchester United and his performance for DR Congo against England at the World Cup showed why. It’s never quite happened for him to the heights expected at club level and he was last with Burnley as they were relegated from the Premier League. There’s definite quality there and perhaps a chance to spark his club career with big expectations placed upon him.

Ross Stewart (attacker, last club - Southampton)

Injury woe has wrecked the striker’s stint down south. He’s risen from the lower leagues in Scotland to becoming a full international and form at Sunderland won a move to Southampton. Injuries have then struck but he’s got amongst the goals when fit. That would be the big factor here but undoubtedly a reliable goalscorer with an impressive stature.

Dennis Cirkin (defender, last club - Sunderland)

Left-back is an are both Rangers and Celtic require. Tuur Rommens needs a reliable back-up at Ibrox and Marcelo Sarrachi’s return to Parkhead continues to drag on. Cirkin is still only 24 and goes hunting his next side after 126 appearances for Sunderland.

Xaver Schlager (midfielder, last club - RB Leipzig)

A more high-profile recruit but he was linked with Celtic in the winter window for a period. The Austrian international was a midfield regular in the Bundesliga and would be a coup if either side could convince him to make the move to Scotland. European football would surely be a key selling point.

Musa Barrow (attacker, last club - Al-Taawoun)

27-year-old is fresh off a three-year stint in Saudi Arabia but his previous experience is in Serie A at Atalanta and Bologna. A rapid attacking option capable of playing various positions across the forward line. Celtic are looking to add in attack and Rangers may seek forward options amid exit links for Youssef Chermiti.

Anthony Martial (attacker, last club - Monterrey)

After a promising Monaco breakthrough brought Manchester United chances, Martial’s career has gone sideways, last playing his football in Mexico. He is bouncing from club to club at the moment without much success but the same was said for Iheanacho before playing a key role in Celtic’s title charge.

Raheem Sterling (attacker, last club - Feyenoord)

Perhaps an upgraded version of Martial. Once a key man for Man City and England not too long ago, Sterling is at a crossroads, following a less than impressive stint in Holland. Wages again are likely to be at play but the attacker needs somewhere that can light a spark under his career threatening to come to a dull end.

Adam Webster (defender, last club - Brighton)

Centre-back hasn’t played for a year due to an ACL injury but Rangers or Celtic probably wouldn’t get him otherwise. Has impressed when fit at the Seagulls but now needing a new home to begin his career again.

Joe Aribo (midfielder, last club - Southampton)

A name that needs no introduction to Rangers fans after he helped them win the league in 2021 and scored in the Europa League final a year later. Hasn’t really happened for him down south since his time at Rangers but qualities in midfield and attack while at Ibrox were lauded.

Mat Ryan (goalkeeper, last club - Levante)

The Hoops will seek a new goalkeeper this summer and previously-linked Australian international is back on the market. Last in Spain and fits the mould of recent years in terms of bringing in an experienced stopper following their time in top European leagues.

Emiliano Marcondes (playmaker, last club - Norwich City)

Marcondes was also at Hibs when Maolida was there and his playmaking abilities also impressed in Leith. Performed for Norwich City before minutes faded under ex Rangers boss Philippe Clement. More of a wildcard this but has the x-factor to change a game.