Scottish football’s summer transfer window has just exploded into life. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has reportedly cut short his family holiday in Mallorca to personally intervene in a transfer tug-of-war with Rangers over Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons. In a sensational twist, what seemed like a near-completed deal for Rangers could now be heading across Glasgow—directly into the hands of their greatest rivals.
The move has sent shockwaves through Scottish football, and the implications are huge—both on and off the pitch.
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Rangers Were Closing In – Until Now
Earlier this week, multiple reports indicated that Rangers were closing in on the signing of Max Aarons from Bournemouth on a season-long loan deal, with an option to buy. The 25-year-old former Norwich City defender, who was managed by Russell Martin during his time at Carrow Road, was seen as a natural target for Martin’s new Ibrox project.
Rangers fans were beginning to celebrate what looked like a shrewd piece of business. Aarons is quick, technically strong, and vastly experienced for his age. Having racked up over 200 senior appearances across the Premier League and Championship, he was seen as a ready-made replacement for James Tavernier, who has been linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer.
Sources close to the club said the deal was “well-advanced,” with Rangers in pole position and negotiations between the two clubs having reached the final stages.
But that narrative was dramatically disrupted within 48 hours.
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Celtic Make Shock Move: Rodgers Cuts Holiday Short
According to inside sources and reports from The Scottish Sun, Brendan Rodgers immediately intervened when he caught wind of Rangers’ move for Aarons. Instead of letting the window play out, the Celtic boss flew back from his summer holiday to personally meet Aarons in a private setting in London.
The move was described by one source as “extraordinary”—but not unprecedented. Rodgers has long been known for his hands-on approach in transfers, often convincing players to sign based on vision and philosophy rather than salary alone.
The urgency of Rodgers’ actions spoke volumes: Celtic do not want to lose a high-quality target to Rangers. And more importantly, they want to send a message of authority across the Old Firm divide.
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Why Aarons Is Such a Hot Commodity
At 25, Max Aarons is entering his peak years and brings experience that most full-backs in Scotland simply do not have. After rising through the ranks at Norwich, he was considered one of the most promising young defenders in English football. Manchester United and Bayern Munich reportedly scouted him during his breakout years.
His move to Bournemouth in 2023 came with promise, but a string of injuries and inconsistent form limited his chances. He made just 13 appearances in the 2024/25 Premier League season. Despite that, his technical quality remains intact. He’s known for:
- Blistering pace
- Close ball control under pressure
- Overlap and underlap runs in the attacking third
- Reliable defensive positioning
At either Celtic or Rangers, Aarons would likely dominate the right flank in a league where his athleticism would immediately set him apart.
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What Brendan Rodgers Told Aarons
Sources close to the situation suggest that Rodgers made a strong personal pitch to Aarons. In their meeting, he reportedly emphasized:
- Guaranteed first-team football, particularly with Anthony Ralston and Alistair Johnston inconsistent or injury-prone.
- European exposure via the Champions League group stages, where Celtic will once again participate.
- Career revival under Rodgers, who has a history of rejuvenating players.
- Long-term project involving a push for ten-in-a-row domestic trophies over the next five seasons.
Rodgers is also said to have assured Aarons that he would be “central to the future of Celtic’s rebuild” as the club refreshes its backline following the departure of several key names.
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Celtic’s Needs at Right-Back
Celtic have been vulnerable in the full-back area, especially since Josip Juranović’s exit and inconsistent performances from Johnston and Ralston. The arrival of a Premier League-level full-back would:
- Provide stability and attacking threat on the right
- Allow Rodgers to push Johnston into a more defensive rotation
- Elevate Celtic’s competitiveness in Europe, where they’ve struggled against high-tempo sides
It’s not just about one player—it’s about taking control of a weak spot and simultaneously denying Rangers a game-changer.
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What This Means for Rangers
The psychological impact on Rangers cannot be overstated. For a club in rebuild mode under a new manager, missing out on a top target—particularly to Celtic—will sting.
Russell Martin, who coached Aarons at Norwich, had hoped their personal connection would be the clincher. Reports suggest Martin was “surprised and disappointed” by Celtic’s late move.
Even if Rangers pivot to other right-back targets (including Ryan Fredericks and Tiago Santos), the damage is done. Celtic have entered the transfer window with real intent.
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The Financials of the Deal
- Transfer Type: Loan-to-buy structure
- Loan Fee: Estimated £750k–£1m
- Purchase Option: Roughly £6m (optional in Rangers’ deal, Celtic may propose obligation)
- Wage Split: Bournemouth will subsidize 20–30% of Aarons’ £40k/week wages
Celtic may be offering a larger upfront loan fee or more favourable wage guarantees. That financial leverage could be the final factor if Aarons’ decision is purely strategic.
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Fan Reactions: Celtic Jubilant, Rangers Stunned
Celtic supporters flooded social media with excitement:
“Rodgers working overtime this summer. That’s how you get deals done.”
“That’s how you hurt Rangers without even kicking a ball.”
“Aarons in, Tavernier out? League’s already done.”
Rangers fans, meanwhile, expressed frustration:
“If we lose Aarons now, serious questions need asked.”
“We had it in the bag—how does this happen?”
“Martin needs backing. Simple.”
The mood has shifted quickly. This isn’t just a transfer—it’s a symbol of who’s asserting dominance in the Glasgow arms race.
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What’s Next
Max Aarons is now weighing up both offers. A final decision is expected within days. Bournemouth have agreed in principle to both structures and are waiting for the player’s choice.
Brendan Rodgers’ gamble—cutting his holiday short to meet a single player—might pay off. It might also be the move that reignites a season-defining rivalry.
Expect a conclusion before the end of the week. But whatever happens, this episode has already injected fresh venom into the Old Firm feud.
📋 Summary: What We Know
| Detail | Rangers | Celtic |
| Deal Structure | Loan with option to buy | Loan with obligation (likely) |
| Manager Connection | Russell Martin coached Aarons | Rodgers offering European football |
| Wages | Bournemouth subsidizing 30% | Celtic offering longer-term guarantees |
| Current Status | Deal “well advanced” | Celtic may now be leading |
| Timeline | Decision expected within 72 hours | Rodgers pushing to close by weekend |
🧭 Final Thought
In the theatre of Scottish football, few storylines pack as much drama as an Old Firm transfer war. This isn’t just about a right-back—it’s about who owns the narrative heading into the 2025/26 season.
Max Aarons may not yet know the full impact of his next move, but his decision could tip the balance of power in Glasgow—before a ball is even kicked.
Stay tuned. The fireworks have only just begun.
