Rangers boss Danny Röhl is at the centre of a major Old Firm transfer twist after reportedly hijacking a deal Celtic believed they already had under control, with negotiations now swinging sharply in favour of Ibrox.
For weeks, Celtic had been confident of landing a highly-rated Championship midfielder admired for his control, passing range, and maturity beyond his years. Interim manager Martin O’Neill was personally involved in the push, viewing the player as a key addition to strengthen Celtic’s midfield rebuild.
But the situation has taken a dramatic turn.
RÖHL’S PERSONAL INTERVENTION CHANGES EVERYTHING
Danny Röhl is understood to have made a direct intervention at a crucial stage, presenting a clear long-term project at Rangers and outlining how the player would become a central figure in his tactical system.
Rather than being a rotational option, the midfielder was reportedly assured of a key starting role and a platform to develop as one of the faces of the new Rangers era.
That message appears to have shifted the entire transfer battle.
CELTIC CONFIDENT BEFORE THE SWITCH IN MOMENTUM
Celtic had been working on the deal for some time and believed they were in a strong position to complete it. Martin O’Neill’s side saw the player as an ideal fit for their system and had already begun internal planning around his arrival.
However, Rangers’ late and aggressive approach disrupted those expectations, with Celtic now fearing they are losing out on a major target.
PLAYER IN QUESTION: DAN NEIL
The player at the centre of the Old Firm battle is Dan Neil of Sunderland.
The 24-year-old midfielder has attracted strong interest following his consistent performances in England, with both Rangers and Celtic seeing him as a long-term midfield solution.
Neil is now believed to be leaning towards a move to Rangers after being impressed by Röhl’s vision, tactical role, and guaranteed importance in the squad.
IBROX NOW LEADING THE RACE
Rangers are increasingly optimistic of securing the deal, with momentum firmly shifting towards Ibrox. The appeal of being a central figure in Röhl’s system, combined with potential European football and guaranteed minutes, has given Rangers the advantage.
OLD FIRM TRANSFER WAR ESCALATES
This development adds another chapter to the fierce transfer rivalry between the two Glasgow giants. Celtic, under Martin O’Neill, are still assessing whether they can respond with a late counter-offer, but the situation has become more complicated.
For Rangers, landing Dan Neil would represent a major statement signing and an early victory in the Röhl era.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Negotiations are ongoing, and no final agreement has been signed yet. However, Rangers currently hold the momentum, and Celtic face a race against time to change the player’s mind.
One thing is clear: Danny Röhl has shifted the balance of this Old Firm transfer battle — and Rangers may be closing in on a major midfield signing.