Not just Celtic rebuilding - Kris Boyd predicts 5-player transfer exodus at rivals this summer

By John McGinley

May 1, 2021

One of the narratives heading into the final derby between Celtic and Rangers this season is that it’s the last hurrah for many of the first-team squad members at the Bhoys.

There’s no doubt that Celtic are facing a period of upheaval. That’s a challenge that key figures at the club need to get a grip of.

There’s hope planning is already well underway despite a lack of manager and director of football announcement.

However, one prominent Ibrox pundit reckons tomorrow’s derby could also be the last one for a number of senior players working under Steven Gerrard too.

Kris Boyd is predicting five regulars, including Alfredo Morelos and Glen Karama, could be for the off before next term.

He explained to The Scottish Sun: “Alfredo Morelos could be about to play in his last ever Old Firm game. For different reasons the same goes for Glen Kamara, Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi.

“Scott Arfield could have been another making his bow – but he will have to settle for watching on from the sidelines after picking up a season-ending injury.

“But if you ask me, there’s a real chance all these players will be on their way out of Rangers at the end of the season.”

Four of those players have made over 40 appearances for Rangers this term, with the other featuring over 30 times.

I don’t know about you, but it’s a surprise to me to hear they are considering letting these high profile players go.

Unless I’ve missed it, the media haven’t really highlighted there’s going to be a big turnaround across the city too. The prevailing perception has been that it’s only Celtic going through a transfer refresh.

It’s a different situation to the Bhoys of course. Gerrard doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere so they have stability in that sense.

Celtic captain Scott Brown in action v Rangers / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, if they are getting rid of their talismanic goalscorer, as well as Kamara, perhaps they are not quite in the position of strength that’s been made out. With just one trophy from nine under Gerrard, they are not exactly in the position of dominance that Celtic have been over the last few years either.

A lot can change very quickly in football. Despite the scale of Celtic’s challenge over the next few months, only a fool would completely write us off next season, especially if Gerrard is conducting a squad rebuild of his own.

One to watch, as ever.

In other news, Referee claims he was blacklisted from officiating Celtic derbies regardless of performance.