Celtic has secured the future of rising starlet Samuel Isiguzo, who has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2028. This announcement comes as Celtic prepares for an important Europa League match against Braga, following a disappointing draw against Red Star Belgrade and a lackluster performance against Hibernian.
The 18-year-old defender has made significant strides since joining the Celtic youth ranks. After making the leap to the B team last season, Isiguzo has taken on the role of captain, demonstrating leadership skills that have impressed coaching staff and fans alike. He notably scored during Celtic’s UEFA Youth League victory against Slovan Bratislava last season, further establishing his reputation as a promising talent within the club.
Celtic’s statement regarding Isiguzo’s new contract emphasized the club’s excitement about his development: “Everyone at Celtic would like to congratulate Samuel on signing his new deal, and we look forward to seeing his journey at Paradise continue.”
Across the city, Rangers have appointed Robbie Thelwell as their new head of recruitment. Thelwell, who is the son of current board member Kevin Thelwell, held previous positions as head of technical scouting at Norwich City and chief scout at Aston Villa. His appointment comes amid a challenging period for Rangers, who have struggled under the management of Russell Martin.
After a rocky start to the season, the club finally celebrated their first league win under Martin against Livingston, thanks to a last-minute goal from Max Aarons. This victory, however, has not quelled the discontent among Rangers supporters, many of whom are still calling for Martin’s dismissal.
Rangers have experienced their worst start to a season in 47 years, and Martin’s summer spending of approximately £30 million has yet to yield the desired improvements. Fans are anxious for changes as the club prepares for their next Europa League match against Sturm Graz.
Thelwell will work alongside Nathan Fisher, currently head of emerging talent at Everton, in what Rangers hope will be a strategic move to enhance their recruitment efforts. As both Celtic and Rangers navigate their respective challenges in the league and Europe, the coming weeks will be crucial for both clubs.
With Isiguzo’s commitment to Celtic and Thelwell’s new role at Rangers, the landscape of Scottish football remains dynamic, setting the stage for intense competition as the season progresses.