Celtic and Rangers hold shock talks over entering teams into English league

Celtic and Rangers have reportedly held “initial talks” to join an English league.

The Glasgow-based clubs are arguably two of the most well-supported teams in Europe. However, the Scottish Premier League often comes under fire for being ‘uncompetitive’ with either Rangers or Celtic winning the league every year since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen side in 1984/85.

Now, The Times’ Molly Hudson reports that the two 'Old Firm' clubs have held talks to “explore” a move to the English top flight.

Nikki Doucet, the CEO of the company that runs the Women’s Super League (WSL), is “exploring” ways to expand the women’s game.

The report explains how this does not mean that the men’s game will follow suit. Women’s football in Scotland is less developed in terms of quality and infrastructure compared to the English game.

The Scottish Women’s Premier League was only formed in 2022 and since Scotland qualified for the 2019 World Cup there was a significant increase in funding and support for Rangers and Celtic. However, Glasgow City currently boast 16 league titles, the most of any Scottish club.

Celtic and Rangers dominate Scottish football (Credit:Getty)

It is understood that talks are at the early stages with The Times reporting that no official approach to the SWPL or Scottish FA has been made at this time.

If the ‘Old Firm’ clubs were to switch leagues this would involve a two-season notice period.

The idea of Rangers and Celtic men’s teams joining the Premier League was tentatively proposed over the last few decades.

In 2009, former Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore, revealed he was against the Old Firm joining the English top flight.

"I don't think it's a serious proposition for a whole number of reasons," he said [via BBC].

"Scottish football is Scottish football. For a traditionalist like me, that's where the Old Firm should play."

The move was suggested by then-Bolton Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside but Scudamore, 65, rejected the proposal dubbing it a "non-starter".

In 2024, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers explained how Celtic would "finish" in the "top six bracket" if they were to compete in the Premier League.

"Celtic and Rangers, and obviously I can only talk from a Celtic perspective, is an absolutely massive club worldwide," Celtic boss Rodgers told talkSPORT.

"There’s no doubt if Celtic was in the Premier League it would be up there, minimum, in that top six bracket.

"Wherever you go in the world, you will meet Celtic supporters. The fan base, the history of the club, that’s what makes it a truly, truly massive club."