Rangers’ newest signing Lawrence Shankland has sent Scottish football into a frenzy after making a stunning revelation about his decision to join Rangers despite receiving interest from Celtic.
The Scotland international, who completed his highly anticipated move to Ibrox earlier this week, shocked supporters during his first major interview as a Rangers player when he admitted that Celtic were actually the first club to approach him before his transfer was finalized.
“Celtic made the first deal,” Shankland reportedly revealed. “People will be surprised by that, but it’s the truth.”
The comments immediately exploded across social media, with fans from both sides of the Old Firm rivalry reacting to one of the most unexpected transfer revelations of the summer.
For months, speculation surrounded Shankland’s future following another impressive season in Scottish football. The striker was linked with several clubs, but few expected him to publicly acknowledge that Celtic had made a serious attempt to secure his signature before Rangers entered the race.
However, the most surprising part of the interview came when Shankland explained why he ultimately rejected the opportunity to move to Parkhead.
According to the striker, his decision was not primarily about money, trophies, or even playing opportunities. Instead, he claimed his choice was based on what he felt was the right footballing project and the challenge he wanted at this stage of his career.
“I respected Celtic’s interest,” Shankland reportedly said. “They are a massive club and every player understands what it means when a club like that comes calling. But sometimes football is about more than that.”
The striker went on to explain that he felt Rangers showed greater determination throughout negotiations and made him feel like a central figure in their plans moving forward.
“From the first conversation with Rangers, I felt wanted,” he added. “I felt like I was a priority, not just another option.”
Those remarks have been interpreted by many supporters as a subtle dig at Celtic’s recruitment strategy and have only intensified the reaction surrounding the transfer.
Rangers supporters immediately celebrated the comments online, viewing them as proof that their club won a direct battle against their biggest rivals. Many fans praised Shankland’s honesty and welcomed his commitment to the Rangers project before he has even played a competitive match.
Meanwhile, Celtic supporters reacted with disbelief. Some questioned the timing of the comments, while others dismissed the claims entirely and insisted the club had moved on to other targets.
Pundits across Scotland have also weighed in on the controversy. Several analysts described Shankland’s revelation as one of the most surprising transfer admissions in recent years, particularly given the fierce rivalry between Rangers and Celtic.
“This is not the kind of thing players usually reveal publicly,” one football analyst said during a live discussion. “Admitting that Celtic approached him first and then explaining why he chose Rangers instead will guarantee headlines for days.”
The interview has also increased anticipation ahead of the upcoming season. Rangers fans now expect Shankland to justify the excitement surrounding his arrival, while Celtic supporters will undoubtedly be watching closely every time the striker steps onto the pitch.
For Shankland, the pressure is now greater than ever. By openly discussing Celtic’s interest and explaining why he chose Rangers, he has ensured that every goal, every performance, and every Old Firm match will carry even more significance.
One thing is certain: what should have been a routine unveiling has become one of the biggest talking points in Scottish football. And with Shankland already making headlines before kicking a ball for Rangers, the spotlight on his Ibrox career could not be any brighter.