NafisaThe battle for supremacy in Scottish football is already beginning to take shape long before a ball is kicked in the new campaign.
Across Glasgow, both Rangers and Celtic are working behind the scenes to strengthen their squads, refine their plans and position themselves for another title challenge. After a dramatic end to last season, neither side can afford to stand still, particularly with several ambitious clubs continuing to close the gap.
Transfer activity is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, and many of the most important moves may not involve overseas stars or eye-catching marquee names. Instead, clubs are increasingly identifying proven performers already thriving within Scottish football.
That strategy could prove particularly important for Rangers.
The Ibrox outfit know they must find a way to bridge the gap after another frustrating campaign, and the summer window is likely to play a crucial role in determining whether they can mount a serious challenge next season.
Recent developments surrounding their managerial situation may also have a significant impact on recruitment plans.
Rangers preparing for a new era
Rangers are reportedly prepared to beat Celtic to the signature of Hearts attacker Claudio Braga following a request from incoming boss Derek McInnes, according to Football FanCast.
The Light Blues entered the summer hoping to build on the progress made under Danny Rohl, but plans have shifted following the German’s expected move to RB Salzburg.
Rangers have now agreed a three-year contract with McInnes to take charge at Ibrox, with only final formalities remaining before the appointment is officially announced.
The 54-year-old arrives with an impressive reputation after guiding Hearts through an outstanding 2025/26 campaign that saw them come remarkably close to ending the dominance of the Old Firm.
Although Rohl received public backing from Rangers officials despite a disastrous four-match losing streak that ultimately saw the club slide into third place, his departure has forced the board into action.
McInnes, meanwhile, has long been viewed as a potential candidate.
GIVEMESPORT previously reported that the lifelong Rangers supporter was interested in the role following Russell Martin’s departure last October, and he now appears set to finally get his opportunity.
Claudio Braga emerges as major target
Rangers have already completed one significant piece of business involving Hearts this summer after securing the signing of Lawrence Shankland.
However, that may only be the beginning.
According to Football FanCast, McInnes wants Rangers to return to Tynecastle and launch a move for Claudio Braga, one of Hearts’ standout performers from last season.
The Portuguese forward enjoyed an excellent campaign following his arrival from Norwegian side Aalesunds, registering 17 goals in 44 appearances for the Edinburgh club.
His performances have not gone unnoticed.
Celtic have reportedly monitored Braga for several months, but Rangers are now hoping to hijack any potential move and hand both their Glasgow rivals and Hearts a significant setback.
Should a deal materialise, McInnes would reunite two of the players who played a major role in Hearts’ impressive title push last season.
Potential reunion could excite Rangers supporters
Shankland and Braga combined for 37 goals during the 2025/26 campaign, forming one of the most productive attacking partnerships in Scottish football.
Rangers supporters will undoubtedly be encouraged by the possibility of seeing that partnership recreated at Ibrox.
Adding goals has become a priority for the club after falling short in key moments last season, particularly during the closing stages of the title race.
Braga’s versatility also makes him an attractive option.
Capable of operating across the frontline, the 26-year-old offers tactical flexibility as well as proven end product, attributes that could prove invaluable over the course of a demanding campaign.
McInnes could change Rangers’ title prospects
While Rangers showed encouraging signs under Rohl at various points of last season, their collapse following the league split raised serious questions.
McInnes now inherits a squad that possesses quality but requires greater consistency if it is to challenge Celtic over an entire season.
The former Hearts manager demonstrated last term that he can organise a side capable of competing with the biggest clubs in the country.
Now, with a larger budget and stronger resources at his disposal, Rangers will hope he can take that next step.
The arrival of Shankland has already strengthened the squad considerably.
Should Braga follow him through the doors at Ibrox, Rangers could find themselves with one of the most dangerous attacking units in the division.
Whatever unfolds in the transfer market, another intense battle between Rangers and Celtic appears inevitable.
And if McInnes succeeds in bringing Braga with him from Hearts, it may represent one of the first major victories in what promises to be a fascinating rivalry both on and off the pitch next season.
Nafisa
