Hugh Keevins argues 'power' shift between Rangers and Celtic after 49ers reject offers

Rangers have inspired their own hopes of pipping Celtic to domestic success this season through the backing of the 49ers in the winter transfer market.

Danny Rohl has welcomed three new signings and could be on the verge of meeting a fourth new face with Southampton’s Cameron Archer potentially coming to Ibrox before Monday’s deadline.

The Bears have now given themselves a good chance at winning the Scottish Premiership through their activity in the transfer market, with Celtic now trying to regain ground after Wilfried Nancy’s tenure.

However, it’s not necessarily all about who the Gers have signed, as Hugh Keevins has been left impressed by the 49ers’ resilience.

Hugh Keevins says there’s a ‘contrast’ between Celtic and Rangers now

Rangers rejected a £13million bid from Fenerbahce for Youssef Chermiti, just as the striker began to hit form for the Bears.

The forward’s brace against Celtic in the Old Firm derby in January mooted the interest from Turkish giants, but Andrew Cavenagh and Co. held firm.

Not only did they reject a mega offer for Chermiti, but Rangers also turned down AS Monaco’s loan offer for Djeidi Gassama, which even contained a suggested £10million option to buy.

• Rangers only bought Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday for £2.5milion
• The Bears could have made a big profit over the Frenchman’s potential exit
• The Bears may have been tempted to recoup money spent on Chermiti, but they stayed strong in their stance

In Keevins’ column for the Daily Record on Saturday, he pointed towards how the dynamic is changing off the field regarding the power in Glasgow between Celtic and Rangers.

Keevins said: “If you compare and contrast the Old Firm’s activity during this transfer window, I don’t know how you could argue with my assertion that the balance of power within Glasgow is shifting from Celtic Park to Ibrox.

“Rangers are proactive in terms of making three significant signings so far and, while they’re at it, rejecting substantial offers for two players [Chermiti and Gassama] because they are determined to end the window stronger than when it opened. This is, compared to their biggest rivals, quite a contrast.”

The context of it all is important too, as the players brought in, and those that Rangers are still looking to sign, even throw doubt on the playing chances for the likes of Gassama and Chermiti.

Which just goes to show that the 49ers may be able to do something that Celtic can’t by turning their nose up at potentially banking £23million, all because of sheer determination for glory this season.

• Read more: Simon Jordan left ‘surprised’ over Rangers developments as title race heats up at Ibrox

What Rangers still have over Celtic, regardless of league position

Currently, the window is still open, and a lot can change. But, as things stand, the Bears have a mighty strong squad and are stacked in multiple areas.

The same can’t be said for Celtic, however, as it feels like Martin O’Neill is scraping the barrel with what he got to use at the moment.

The Bears’ recent data proves that they can put together a strong run of winning performances that are led out from the back.

The foundations are there defensively, but things can always improve in attack. Thankfully for Rohl, he has plenty of options to select in the final third, even with Danilo on his way out.

The German head coach has strength in numbers, and thanks to the 49ers, we could be seeing Rangers rule Scottish football in a couple of months.

Stay up to date this winter with our Rangers transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Ibrox, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.

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