Celtic have chosen action over patience on the eve of the Old Firm, completing the loan signing of Julián Araujo from AFC Bournemouth just hours before facing Rangers - a move that underlines the contrast between the two clubs at the opening of the January window.
For Celtic, the deal represents the first signing of Wilfried Nancy’s tenure, arriving amid a difficult start that has seen the new manager lose five of his first seven matches in charge.
For Rangers, meanwhile, there have been no early incomings and there will be no announcements prior to kick off tomorrow afternoon, despite links to Josh Windass, James Penrice and Elliot Watt amongst others.
Araujo, however, will not arrive quietly.
Speaking after completing the move, the defender was clear about the scale of the fixture he is stepping into.
“I know what this game is about,” he said.
“I’m excited to be a part of this game - tomorrow’s going to be a big game.”
While Celtic’s recent form and managerial turbulence might suggest a cautious approach, Araujo struck a note of confidence rather than apprehension.
Crucially for an Inside Ibrox audience, his comments revealed a player aware of the occasion but determined not to be overwhelmed by it.
“We’ve got to stay humble, keep our feet on the ground and know what we’ve got to do,” he added.
“Tomorrow is just to implement it and to be confident and go out there and play a game.”
The timing of the deal still matters.
Celtic have acted, publicly and decisively, while Rangers have so far chosen continuity over intervention for the fixture.
Araujo also made it clear that, if called upon, he is ready to contribute immediately against Rangers.
“I’m ready if the gaffer needs me,” he said.
“I’m going to give you everything I can - I’ll give you everything I need to be able to stay up to speed with my teammates.”
It is a statement that speaks to intent rather than certainty.
Whether Araujo starts or features at all remains to be seen, but Celtic have added a new variable into an already volatile fixture - a defender comfortable in multiple roles, arriving with freshness and momentum.
For Rangers, the absence of early January movement does not necessarily signal inaction.
The club’s stance has been consistent: no panic, no rushed deals, no reactionary signings driven by the calendar.
Yet the optics are unavoidable. One side has moved. The other has stood still.
The Old Firm often punishes distraction and rewards clarity.
Celtic’s late move adds intrigue, not fear.
For Rangers, the task remains unchanged: exploit uncertainty, test cohesion, and ensure that any new face in green and white is given no time to settle.