Latest Transfer Rumors and Confirmed Moves in Scottish Football

Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts are making significant moves in the transfer market ahead of the Scottish Premiership season.

The Scottish Premiership is heating up as the transfer window nears its close. With just under three weeks until the season kick-off, clubs are busy finalizing their squads. Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts are among the most active, with several key players and targets making headlines.

As England’s World Cup journey continues, Scottish football is shifting its focus back to domestic action. The Premier Sports Cup group stages are already in progress, setting the stage for an exciting new season.

Rangers’ Transfer Priorities and Recent Signings

Rangers have already secured six new players this summer, with manager Derek McInnes aiming to strengthen three key areas. The club has seen departures like Jack ButlandJames Tavernier and Ben Davies while welcoming Cammy DevlinDan NeilLawrence ShanklandBen GodfreyRoss McCrorie and goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.

According to reports, McInnes is looking to add a right-sided winger, a left-sided center-back, and another midfielder. With 28 first-team players currently on the books, including 10 central midfielders, the squad is set for some trimming. John Souttar and Danilo are among those who could be offloaded.

Despite already signing two midfielders, Rangers are still monitoring long-term targets like Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojevic and Tromso‘s Jens Hjerto-Dahl.

Rangers’ Friendly Draw Against Kaizer Chiefs

In their latest friendly, Rangers faced South African side Kaizer Chiefs in Marbella, ending in a 1-1 draw. After a goalless first half, Asanele Velebayi broke the deadlock in the 77th minute. Rangers came close to equalizing when Nedim Bajrami hit the post, but substitute Findlay Curtis rescued a draw in the 89th minute with a spectacular shot. Lawrence Shankland also made his first appearance for Rangers off the bench.

Celtic Faces Potential Exits of Key Players

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has addressed the possibility of losing three of his top stars this summer. Daizen Meada who impressed at the World Cup with Japan, is likely to depart for a bigger league. The 28-year-old nearly moved to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg last summer for £20 million but was blocked by Celtic due to the inability to secure a replacement in time.

O’Neill expressed his resignation to Meada’s potential departure, stating, “I think there’s some resignation in that aspect. I’d love him to stay. I’m not sure that that’s going to happen.”

Another key player, Arne Engles was the subject of a failed £20 million bid from Nottingham Forest in the January window. O’Neill also hinted at the possibility of losing Benjamin Nygren whose impressive stats make him a likely target for other clubs.

Even Callum McGregor the team captain, has changed agents amid links with former boss Brendan Rodgers in Saudi Arabia. O’Neill refused to give assurances about McGregor’s future, acknowledging that financial offers could influence his decision.

Hearts Revive Interest in Forest Green Rovers Midfielder

Hearts have rekindled their interest in Forest Green Rovers midfielder Laurent Mendy following the departure of Cammy Devlin to Rangers. The Tynecastle side originally tried to sign the 29-year-old Frenchman during the January transfer window but were rejected.

With Devlin’s departure, Hearts have returned to the table. Mendy has received glowing references for his performances at New Lawn. However, Forest Green manager Robbie Savage has stated that the midfielder is not for sale, emphasizing, “Not for sale.”