Headline: Scottish Premiership Managers Prepare for Final Days of Transfer Window
The clock is ticking for managers in the Scottish Premiership, with just 11 days remaining for last-minute transfers before the January window closes. Traditionally, winter signings are often seen as short-term fixes or urgent attempts to remedy squad issues. As the deadline approaches, managers must assess their current teams, identify areas needing improvement, and decide which players to offload or retain.
Aberdeen Set to Trim Squad?
Aberdeen has had a busy summer with 13 new arrivals and 14 departures. Head coach Stephen Robinson appears to be rebuilding his squad but acknowledges the need to cut down the roster, which currently stands at 28 players—the largest in the league. While fans hope for new midfield energy and additional wingers, Robinson mentioned he may focus on selling players rather than further additions.
Celtic Eyes Reinforcements for Full-Back Positions
Celtic’s lineup seems stable under manager Martin O’Neill, particularly with the strong performance from players like Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran. However, the squad appears thin on the bench, especially with midfielder Reo Hatate’s impending departure and the injury to right-back Alistair Johnston. Following a £22m transfer for Arne Engels, there may be financial room to bolster the reserves. Essential targets include a right-back and a backup for Kieran Tierney as O’Neill navigates player management for the senior left-back.
Dundee Faces Late Window Emphasis
With just 22 first-team players and a season-ending injury to Simon Murray, Dundee possesses the smallest squad in the league. Manager Steven Pressley has emphasized the need for reinforcements, particularly after key players Yan Dhanda and Cam Congreve were signed late last season. Pressley will be challenged to achieve similar success in this transfer window.
Dundee United’s Successful Summer Recruitment
Jim Goodwin has introduced 12 new players at Dundee United this summer, indicating a shift towards a more homegrown playing style. However, the potential departure of standout left-back Will Ferry, who is expected to command a significant fee after his recent international debut, leaves a gap to fill, especially with Romanian international Kevin Ciubotaru as the only remaining left-back.
Falkirk Pursues Additional Signings
Falkirk leads the league with 14 new signings under manager John McGlynn. As McGlynn looks to replace departing talents like Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller, he has already secured midfielder Finley Barbrook on loan. McGlynn indicated there could be two more additions, but the integration of new players may complicate squad harmony.
Hearts Navigating Potential Departures
Hearts currently own the league’s largest squad but appear unsatisfied with its size, as disclosed by manager Wouter Vrancken. The arrival of American striker JJ Williams would augment their attacking options, but rumors about the exits of players like Yan Dhanda and Sander Kartum escalate as the transfer window deadline nears.
Hibernian Aims to Retain Star Talent
Summer has been relatively quiet for Hibernian, with six signings and only a couple of departures. Manager David Gray has indicated the squad is somewhat light in certain areas, particularly regarding the future of Josh Mulligan. There are concerns as the promising young player is attracting Serie A interest, following the successful paths of former Hibees.
Kilmarnock Seeks Defensive Reinforcements
Neil McCann’s recruitment has been underwhelming this window despite past successes. With ongoing defensive issues, the manager looks to bolster the defense further. Centre-back George Stanger has been linked with a transfer, indicating the need for new players, especially within the right-back position.
Motherwell at a Crossroads with Maswanhise
After gaining nine summer signings, Motherwell seems steady as rumors swirl regarding Tawanda Maswanhise’s future. Despite lacking in recent goal-scoring, the club may consider cashing in on him, particularly since his contract is set to expire next summer.
Rangers Face Squad Revisions
Rangers supporters express frustration over recent performances as significant changes occur within the squad. With multiple departures, including the expected exit of John Souttar, the team is in need of reinforcements, especially in defense. The arrival of 11 new signings requires adaptation, particularly as injuries frustrate progress.
St Johnstone Searches for Additional Options
Manager Simo Valakari is awaiting FIFA’s approval for Bosnian left-back Enes Alic’s transfer, a move critical for addressing defensive gaps. Additionally, the club may look for another right-back and central midfielder to boost their options after an underwhelming start.
St Mirren Focus on Offensive Improvements
St Mirren’s primary challenge lies in retaining talent like Killian Phillips, who has been attracting MLS interest. With crucial striker roles left open due to several departures, fans are eager for new signings to enhance their offensive lineup. A need for another center-back emerges following the exit of Miguel Freckleton.
Just 11 days remain for managers in the Scottish Premiership to do their final bit of wheeling and dealing before January.
It’s a well-known observation that managers hate doing business in the winter window, with most signings either a stop-gap solution or a desperate bid to turn things around.
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So what must the current crop of Premiership bosses do to avoid such signings in the future?
Where are the glaring gaps in the squad? Who needs to cut adrift some deadwood? And who needs to keep their star player up under lock and key?
Aberdeen to cut numbers?
With 13 players already through the entrance and 14 through the exit, it’s been a busy old summer at Pittodrie.
Seemingly, head coach Stephen Robinson has opted to start from scratch when moulding his new squad but there’s still a few blank spots on an increasingly busy picture.
While fans may be keen for some energy in midfield and perhaps another winger, Robinson has stated publicly that he still has too many players at his disposal.
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With a squad size of 28, the third biggest in the league, it is more likely the head coach will be flaunting his wares at the market, rather than adding to his squad.
Full-back areas the key for Celtic?
While Martin O’Neill’s starting XI looks fairly settled thanks to Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran hitting the ground running, the bench at Celtic Park still looks fairly sparse.
That won’t be helped by the expected exit of midfielder Reo Hatate and the injury to right-back Alistair Johnston who, according to reports, is facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
After the £22m fee received for Arne Engels, there might be more money to strengthen the back-up brigade.
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Viljami Sinisalo could do with some more competition in the sticks and, while youngster Colby Donovan has impressed so far, perhaps another right-back is needed for the Champions League.
Most important is finding a suitable back-up for Kieran Tierney. O’Neill has previously stated that the 29-year-old’s minutes need managed but he is the only senior left-back on the books.
Another late window show for Dundee?
With just 22 first-team players at his disposal – and one of them now injured for the season in Simon Murray – Steven Pressley has the smallest squad in the league.
He has just five defenders, plus Drey Wright, who could probably play across the back-four if needed. Out wide, the numbers are also limited.
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Pressley has been at pains to point out the fact that Yan Dhanda and Cam Congreve – two of their best players last season – didn’t sign until late in the window.
They’ve made a good start, but they need reinforcements in at least two areas. Will Pressley be able to replicate his success in the loan market?
Ferry to depart and leave gap for Dundee United?
Jim Goodwin has already brought 12 players into Tannadice this summer, in a window that seemed to suggest a change of approach.
The noise from Tayside was Goodwin wanted a more homegrown approach to implement an attractive, ball-on-the-floor, style of play.
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If the signature of Dylan Tait hinted at this move, the addition of Abdoulaye Yoro and Idjessi Metsoko flew in the face of it. It’s hard to know what comes next.
The main issue will be finding a replacement for Will Ferry, the former United vice-captain and stand-out left-back who has excelled in recent seasons. The Irishman, who made his international debut in May, is widely expected to depart for a sizeable fee.
Romanian international Kevin Ciubotaru has arrived but he would be the only left-back in the squad should Ferry depart.
There is also an issue up front, given the current record of one goal from the past four games. Whether Lachlan Rose or Zac Sapsford can play up top by themselves remains up for debate, while Metsoko – like Ciubotaru – is still an unknown quantity
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Falkirk seeking two more?
No-one has signed more players than John McGlynn at Falkirk (14) [SNS]
No-one has signed more players so far than Falkirk, with 14 arrivals under the watchful eye of John McGlynn.
The Bairns boss, like Pressley, worked his magic in the loan window last season with the additions of defender Filip Lissah, attacking midfielder Ben Broggio and wingers Kyrell Wilson and Ethan Williams.
They’ve all returned home, or since moved on, and McGlynn must replace them and the goals of Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller.
After the signing of midfielder Finley Barbrook on loan from Ipswich, the manager said there might be as many as three more additions. So far, he’s only gotten striker Jacob Morrell from DC United through the door.
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It’s hard to see where the other two would fit without the squad becoming bloated.
What does future hold for Hearts’ Braga?
The biggest squad in the league and, if rumours are to be believed, they’re not done yet. American striker JJ Williams is seemingly in Edinburgh, all 6’4″ of him, before a proposed medical and move.
He would add to the goalscoring threats of Pierre Landry Kabore, Amadou Ba-Sy, James Wilson and Elton Kabangu – albeit the latter of those is waiting in the departure lounge.
Wouter Vrancken has discussed his desire to trim the squad to an ideal size of 27 players, but it currently sits at 32.
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Who else could go? Attacking midfielders Yan Dhanda and Sander Kartum are at the top of that list.
Then there’s Claudio Braga. Linked with a big-money move away all summer, the Portuguese has been strong in his message that he will give his all until the second he leaves.
If he were to go, Hearts certainly have the numbers. It remains to be seen whether they have the same quality.
Can Hibernian keep hold of Mulligan?
Unlike every other club in the league, other than maybe Celtic, it’s been a quiet summer in Leith.
Six signings, only two permanent departures in Chris Cadden and Elie Youan. David Gray has opted for the consistent approach but has said he thinks they are thin on the ground in some areas.
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Similar to Hearts and Dundee United, though, it might be more about keeping their big star – or replacing him quickly if he does go. That big star is, of course, Josh Mulligan.
He is the latest young Scot to be linked with a move to Serie A and, given the exploits of former Hibees Kieron Bowie and Josh Doig at Sassuolo, he might be tempted to join them.
Can Kilmarnock plug gaps?
Neil McCann’s recruitment was rightly lauded in January after his signings transformed the squad and helped keep Killie up.
It’s not gone quite as well in this window. None of his signings have made a big impact in either the League Cup or the Premiership and the defence is leaking goals.
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Despite that, centre-back George Stanger has been linked with a move to Burton Albion. Another defender is a must, with some fans keen on a return for former Killie man Joe Wright.
Further reinforcements are needed on the right, with Jamie Brandon the only recognised right-back and the attacking flank on that side also looking sparse.
Should Motherwell cash in on Maswanhise?
Could Maswanhise be the latest big-money fee collected by Motherwell? [SNS]
With nine summer signings, Alfred Johannson seems to be quite settled on his current squad – even if there are rumours of a new winger on the way.
There are already plenty of numbers at the top end of the pitch but a number of them are out injured.
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Having already sold Elijah Just, Elliot Watt and Calum Ward for big money, they might be loathe to lose Tawanda Maswanhise but the Zimbabwean only has two goals in his past 17 games and his contract expires next summer. Is now the time to cash in?
Outgoings and new striker at Rangers?
Of all the Premiership supporters who have been unhappy with their side’s start, Rangers are right up there.
Last season’s leadership has almost entirely been cleared out – John Souttar is expected to depart – but a void has been left.
Emmanuel Fernandez continues to draw interest, despite a poor start to the season, and supporters seem desperate for a new centre-back.
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The 11 new signings have yet to bed in, Ben Godfrey has already picked up an injury, and former Hearts men Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland – made club captain in his first few weeks – have found themselves on the bench.
The squad is also full of players who seem to no longer be, or never were, part of Derek McInnes’ plans. Young Scots Connor Barron and Lyall Cameron have reportedly been told to find new clubs, Clinton Nsiala and Jose Cifuentes have not been spotted under the new manager, while Ross McCausland and Bojan Miovski seem unfancied.
With Youssef Chermiti out for the season, McInnes may also have to dip into the market to find another striker.
St Johnstone to seek cover options?
Simo Valakari is waiting on Fifa ratifying his move for Bosnian left-back Enes Alic, with his homeland club FK Zeljeznicar claiming he is still their player.
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That is a move that is desperately needed, with Matthew Foulds currently the only available left-back, leaving Liam Smith having to cover.
While that transfer saga rumbles on, another right-back option and central midfielder could be on the Finn’s shopping list. While Reece McAlear, Jason Holt, Sam Stanton and Macaulay Tait are all decent options, they might need a little more pedigree.
Former Mansfield Town midfielder Aaron Lewis was being looked at, but the Perth Saints decided against offering him a contract.
St Mirren to pursue striker?
Keeping hold of Killian Phillips will be Craig McLeish’s biggest challenge in the next 11 days. The American-born midfielder has been attracting interest from the MLS for the past eight months, with their window shutting a day before Scotland’s.
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With Calvin Ramsay’s arrival at right-back seemingly imminent, it is another striker that most fans want.
Mikael Mandron, Jonah Ayunga, Dan Nlundulu and Kion Etete were strikers in the squad last season. They’ve all moved on, or are unavailable, with only Eseosa Sule and Jake Young to replace them.
At the back, Alex Gogic and Marcus Fraser have been the starting centre-backs with Richard King well down the pecking order. After the departure of Miguel Freckleton, another centre-back wouldn’t go amiss.
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