As the summer transfer window enters its final frantic days, Scottish Premiership clubs are making their last moves to strengthen their squads. At Jaya9, we bring you an in-depth look at where each team stands, their remaining needs, and how these final decisions could shape their seasons.
Aberdeen’s Strategic Reinvestment
Jimmy Thelin has made an impressive start to his tenure at Pittodrie, winning all five League Cup matches and securing three consecutive league victories. The record £6.8m sale of Bojan Miovski to Girona has provided significant funds for reinforcements.
Thelin has already brought in seven new players, with Kevin Nisbet arriving on loan from Millwall to help replace Miovski’s goals. The manager has hinted at further additions, with Western Sydney Wanderers winger Marcus Younis reportedly on their radar. With funds available and fringe players likely to depart, Aberdeen could make this a memorable season in the Granite City.
Celtic’s Quiet Window Set to Explode
Brendan Rodgers has experienced an unusually quiet transfer period at Celtic Park, with only Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo joining as new faces. While Adam Idah and Paulo Bernardo have returned on permanent deals after successful loans, the departure of Matt O’Riley to Brighton has left a creative void.
Adam Idah’s £9.5m permanent signing strengthens Celtic’s attacking options
Rodgers has confirmed that activity will intensify before Friday’s deadline. The club has made a £6.5m offer for Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels, while Barcelona’s Alex Valle is set to join on loan to provide left-back competition. Interest in Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen has also been reported. With concerns about defensive depth and Kyogo Furuhashi’s shoulder injury, Celtic may need to act quickly in multiple positions.
Dundee’s Battle to Keep Their Captain
Tony Docherty’s Dundee enjoyed a successful return to the Premiership last season, finishing in the top six. Their summer has seen seven new arrivals, but their most significant business may involve retaining rather than acquiring talent.
Tony Docherty has overseen significant changes at Dundee this summer
Luke McCowan has attracted substantial interest, with Hibernian making three bids for the midfielder. Celtic and Bolton are also monitoring the situation, with his value estimated around £1m. Despite taking the captain’s armband and contributing two goals and an assist already this season, his future remains uncertain. Docherty has admitted he needs more depth on his bench, suggesting further activity is likely.
Dundee United’s Promoted Squad Enhancement
Jim Goodwin has been busy at Tannadice Park, welcoming 12 new signings following United’s promotion. The manager is pleased with his business but continues to seek “something a little different” in attack to support Louis Moult and new arrival Jorte van der Sande.
Jim Goodwin has transformed Dundee United’s squad after promotion
The loan departure of Tony Watt to Motherwell has opened space for additional attacking reinforcements. Youngster Oliver Stirton is expected to depart on loan despite impressing in preseason, suggesting Goodwin may be looking for more experienced options to ensure Premier League survival.
Hearts’ Struggles Despite Squad Overhaul
Steven Naismith’s new contract until 2026 brought optimism to Tynecastle, but results have been disappointing. Four losses in five matches across all competitions, including a League Cup defeat to Championship side Falkirk, have concerned supporters.
Despite adding 10 new faces and retaining captain Lawrence Shankland, Hearts have struggled to find cohesion. With European commitments adding to their schedule, fans hope for late additions to boost their prospects. Nathaniel Atkinson could depart, potentially freeing funds for reinforcements.
Hibernian’s Search for Missing Pieces
David Gray’s start as Hibs head coach has been challenging, prompting interest in further reinforcements despite 11 summer signings. Their pursuit of Dundee’s Luke McCowan has been persistent, with three bids already rejected.
Hibs have made multiple bids for Dundee captain Luke McCowan
Owen Bevan is another target, with the Bournemouth defender potentially returning to Easter Road after his January loan was cut short by injury. The connection through Hibs shareholder and Bournemouth owner Bill Foley could facilitate this move. Following Dylan Vente’s loan exit, another forward might be targeted to provide depth rather than a starting role.
Kilmarnock’s European Hangover
Last season’s fourth-place finish and European qualification represented a tremendous achievement for Derek McInnes’ side. However, their start to the new campaign has been disastrous, with three league losses, elimination from the League Cup, and struggling in their UEFA Conference League play-off.
Derek McInnes has seen his team struggle after last season’s success
After last summer’s extensive rebuild, this window was meant to be about selective additions. Five players have arrived, including Bruce Anderson, Robby McCrorie and Corrie Ndaba. However, their failure to score in three league games while conceding nine suggests more work is needed. Daniel Armstrong’s potential departure could fund midfield reinforcements.
Motherwell’s Injury Crisis Response
Stuart Kettlewell has brought in over a dozen players this summer but faces an early-season injury crisis. The hoped-for replacement for Theo Bair, Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, is already sidelined, prompting the loan return of Tony Watt from Dundee United.
Apostolos Stamatelopoulos’ injury has hampered Motherwell’s plans
Kettlewell has admitted to more changes than desired, suggesting a quiet final week. His priority may be retaining promising 17-year-old Lennon Miller, who has attracted interest after his breakthrough season.
Rangers’ Major Rebuild Under Clement
Philippe Clement acknowledged facing “a big rebuild” this summer, with numerous experienced players departing. Connor Goldson, Sam Lammers and Robby McCrorie were sold, while Ben Davies and Jose Cifuentes left on loan to free up funds.
Philippe Clement is overseeing significant changes at Rangers
Nine players have arrived, including permanent deals for Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes (with an obligation to buy next summer). Clement seeks defensive reinforcements, particularly at center-back, and may add midfield depth. Several players including Ianis Hagi, Todd Cantwell, Scott Wright and Alex Lowry could depart.
Ross County’s Fight Against Relegation
After surviving via play-offs in consecutive seasons, Don Cowie faced the challenge of replacing key departures Yan Dhanda, Simon Murray and Jack Baldwin. He has responded with double-figure signings, including Ronan Hale who shows promise, and experienced defenders Will Nightingale and Ricki Lamie.
Simon Murray was among Ross County’s significant departures
Following their 6-0 defeat at Rangers, Cowie insisted nothing was imminent in the market. However, defensive reinforcements could prove valuable as they seek to avoid another relegation battle.
St Johnstone’s Webb-Funded Revolution
New owner Adam Webb has increased Craig Levein’s budget, resulting in 10 new arrivals at McDiarmid Park. More signings are expected this week, with center-back a priority after Sam McClelland’s injury.
Craig Levein has benefited from increased investment at St Johnstone
Midfielder Max Kucheriavyi may depart on loan despite his contract expiring next summer. The club will hope to retain striker Adama Sidibeh, who has impressed since joining from non-league Warrington Rylands, after Swansea failed with a bid and Aberdeen considered triggering his £500,000 release clause.
St Mirren’s Balanced Approach
Stephen Robinson has blended experience and youth in his summer business, bringing in familiar names like Shaun Rooney, James Scott and Alex Iacovitti alongside prospects Killian Phillips and Roland Idowu.
Shaun Rooney has returned to the Premiership with St Mirren
Despite losing Keanu Baccus, Ryan Strain, Alex Greive and James Bolton, Robinson appears content with his squad. Midfield injuries remain a concern, but unless unexpected departures occur, St Mirren may have a quiet final week.
Scottish Premiership Transfer Window: Final Week Analysis by Jaya9
The closing days of the transfer window will prove crucial for Scottish Premiership clubs as they finalize their squads for the challenges ahead. From Celtic’s expected flurry of activity to Rangers’ ongoing rebuild, and from Aberdeen’s strategic reinvestment to the struggles of Kilmarnock and Hearts, these final moves could define seasons. At Jaya9, we’ll continue to bring you the latest developments and expert analysis as the deadline approaches. Share your thoughts on your club’s business and what you hope to see before Friday’s deadline in the comments below.
