Back in 2022, when Celtic’s star-studded midfield featuring Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate, and Jota graced the pitch, it was a young Everton talent, Isaac Price, who managed to steal the spotlight.
Despite being on the opposing side, the West Yorkshire-born teenager exhibited an impressive level of tenacity and grit—traits often seen in those who grow up in the region. From the first tackle, Price made his presence known, disrupting Celtic’s rhythm and unsettling their playmakers.
In that encounter, Rangers’ £1.7m target outshone the likes of O’Riley, showing not just resilience, but the kind of intelligent, disruptive play that had many sitting up and taking notice. A performance that proved his potential to rise to the occasion, leaving a mark that wouldn’t soon be forgotten.
Isaac Price’s performance in that 2022 encounter was all the more impressive given his circumstances. Starting in a double pivot, rather than his preferred number eight role, and with Abdoulaye Doucoure forced off due to injury, the 20-year-old was left as the only recognised midfielder for a significant portion of the match. Despite this, he excelled, keeping the influential Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate at bay during the hard-fought 0-0 draw.
At the time, Price had played just one senior game in his career, yet he displayed maturity beyond his years, disrupting Celtic’s rhythm and earning praise for his tireless work. Now, with reports suggesting Rangers are interested in bringing him to Glasgow, that performance could prove pivotal in the club’s pursuit. While the match was technically a friendly, the way he nullified Celtic’s midfield dynamism would undoubtedly appeal to those across the city, highlighting his potential as a key addition for Rangers.
Rangers-linked Isaac Price has already shown his quality in a high-profile clash with Celtic, and his performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. Speaking after the match, then-Everton boss Frank Lampard praised the young midfielder’s readiness, saying, “I would have played Isaac anyway because he has trained really well in recent weeks. He’s been playing well with the Under-21s.”
Price’s impact was especially notable given the circumstances. With Abdoulaye Doucoure forced off injured at half-time, Everton were left to play with wingers in midfield, and it was Price who stepped up to the challenge. His composed and dynamic performance stood out in a tough 0-0 draw with Celtic, a game where he managed to disrupt the rhythm of some of Celtic’s most influential playmakers, such as Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate.
As Rangers now reportedly eye a move for the Northern Ireland international, this performance against Celtic is just one of many examples of his growing potential and maturity on the pitch, making him a highly attractive target.
Everton’s loss became Standard Liege’s gain when Isaac Price made the decision to turn down a new contract offer from the Premier League side in favour of a move to Belgium. His performances at Everton, including the one that caught attention during a 2022 clash with Celtic, had already marked him as one of the club’s brightest young talents.
Frank Lampard, reflecting on his rise, noted that “Isaac Price was the best player on the pitch” in that match, despite the circumstances that led to him playing a more prominent role in midfield. His technical ability, composure, and tactical awareness were clear for all to see, making it no surprise that Rangers have since shown interest in bringing him to Glasgow.
A year later, after rejecting Everton’s contract offer, Price left for Standard Liege, a move that has been compared to Jude Bellingham’s decision to leave Birmingham City for Borussia Dortmund. Both players demonstrated a maturity and vision beyond their years, opting for a pathway that would further their development, with Price now valued at £1.7 million.
This shift in direction for Price has only bolstered his reputation, and as he continues to shine in Belgium, his profile rises – making Rangers’ reported interest all the more intriguing.
Isaac Price’s remarkable first senior hat-trick in October further highlighted his potential, drawing comparisons to the very best in the game, including Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. Scoring a stunning treble in Northern Ireland’s 5-0 win over Bulgaria, Price became the first player since 2007 to achieve the feat, showcasing his attacking prowess and composure in front of goal. His performance not only earned him praise but also underlined his growing reputation as one of the brightest young talents in European football.
Price’s versatility has been a standout trait throughout his career, allowing him to operate effectively in various roles across the midfield. This adaptability has earned him admiration from several top managers, and it’s no surprise that Rangers, known for seeking tactically flexible players such as Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo, are reportedly keen on securing his services. With his ability to seamlessly shift between positions, Price would be an excellent addition to any squad, offering both creativity and defensive stability. If Rangers manage to sign him, they would not only be adding a talented young player to their ranks but also one capable of making an immediate impact across multiple areas of the pitch.
Isaac Price’s stunning hat-trick against Bulgaria has sparked further discussions about his best position on the pitch, with Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill suggesting that the 21-year-old’s future may lie in a more advanced role. Price’s dynamic performance, where he scored more goals in one evening than he had in 60 games for Standard Liege, underscores his potential to thrive in a more attacking midfield role.
O’Neill noted that while Price is still refining his position at club level, his impact with Northern Ireland hints that he could be more effective further forward. This could be an important consideration for Rangers, who have long been linked with Price as a potential transfer target. With his ability to contribute goals and assists, an attacking role could bring out the best in Price, offering him the freedom to showcase his technical ability and versatility in the final third.
Should Rangers secure his signature, they may look to harness his attacking potential, giving him the opportunity to operate in a role where he can be most influential and help add another creative spark to the team.
Isaac Price’s impressive performance for Northern Ireland, including his first-ever hat-trick, has caught the attention of many, with Michael O’Neill praising his willingness to cover ground and his quality in front of goal. O’Neill also acknowledged that while Price is still refining certain aspects of his game, his high-quality performances have been evident throughout his time with the national team.
With Rangers recently credited with renewed interest in Price, as reported by Walfoot, the young midfielder’s goal-scoring abilities make him an appealing target for the Ibrox club. Rangers’ apparent pursuit of midfielders with attacking potential aligns with Price’s profile, especially given the tactical flexibility they appear to be prioritising in their transfer targets. Though the exact legitimacy of these links remains unclear, it is evident that Rangers see value in a player capable of contributing goals from midfield, which could provide a valuable asset to their squad.