Celtic may have cruised to their fourth consecutive league title, but Chris Sutton believes a storm is brewing across the city. The former Hoops striker has urged his old club to brace for a more dangerous Rangers next season following the completion of a high-profile takeover at Ibrox. Despite Brendan Rodgers’ side finishing the season 17 points clear and securing a domestic double, Sutton insists the gap could narrow quickly if Celtic stand still.
Rangers confirmed a majority takeover on Friday afternoon, with a U.S.-led consortium fronted by healthcare tycoon Andrew Cavenagh and backed by 49ers Enterprises securing a 51% controlling stake. The shake-up, approved by the Scottish FA, signals the start of a new chapter for the Ibrox club. Andrew Cavenagh will become chairman, with 49ers Enterprises president and Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe stepping in as vice-chairman. A revamped board brings in figures from private equity, real estate, and healthcare sectors.
The new ownership wasted no time in showing intent, pledging an immediate £20 million investment into the club. Their strategy places strong emphasis on improving results on the park and securing long-term financial sustainability. Rangers fans responded with optimism, gathering outside Ibrox to mark what they hope is a turning point for the club, with Sutton not holding back in warning Celtic against complacency.
He said: (RecordSport), “The Rangers are coming – again. This time Celtic fans shouldn’t be sniggering at the suggestion.
“It would be foolish to put the head in the sand when it comes to the challenge coming from across the city.
“Celtic simply cannot afford to sit on their hands because their rivals won’t be worse next season – they can’t be.”
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side were dominant last season, wrapping up the league with four games to spare and putting five past Dundee United to clinch the title in April. They also edged out Rangers in a tense League Cup final via penalties and reached the Scottish Cup final, losing to Aberdeen on spot-kicks. A strong squad with depth across the park allowed the Hoops to maintain an 18-match unbeaten run and put together a seven-game winning streak during the season.
New signings played a crucial part in that success. Adam Idah, Arne Engels, and Jota all added quality and goals, while the likes of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Nicolas Kühn continued to drive performances from midfield. Rodgers will be under no illusion that further strengthening is required, especially with Rangers expected to be aggressive in the transfer market under their new ownership.
Although Celtic comfortably handled their business in the league, the Glasgow derbies offered a glimpse of the fine margins in one-off games. Celtic won the opening derby 3–0, drew the next before winning on penalties, then lost the following two, both away and at home, before drawing the final Glasgow derby 1–1. The gap in quality was evident across the season, but it’s in these individual matches where momentum can swing quickly, especially if Rangers’ recruitment hits the mark.
Sutton’s message is a sharp reminder after a season of success. If Celtic relax now, they could fall behind. They’ll exceed Rangers both on the pitch and in the transfer market to stay ahead. As Sutton said, Celtic must act now—before Rangers start closing the gap.
