Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

One-time Celtic target signs three-year deal at La Liga side

Scott McKenna was linked with a move to Celtic not too long ago - but now the Scotland international is about to pile his trade in La Liga. 

After being released by Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, following a four-year spell at the City Ground, the 27-year-old defender had been carefully weighing up his options. 

The reigning Scottish Premiership champions were believed to have been a possible destination, but instead UD Las Palmas have officially announced the signing of McKenna on a three-year deal. 

He brings a wealth of experience to the Canary Island side following impressive stints in both the English and Scottish leagues, before spending the second part of last season with Danish giants, FC Copenhagen.

McKenna's football journey began in the youth ranks of Aberdeen, where he made a name for himself before debuting for the first team in 2016. He earned his first international cap for the Scotland National Team two years later, signalling the start of a promising career.


Read more:


In 2020, he made a high-profile £3million move to Nottingham Forest, where he played a total of 106 matches, showcasing his defensive prowess in the English Premier League and Championship.

Earlier this year, McKenna had a brief loan spell at FC Copenhagen, where he even featured against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. With 37 caps for Scotland, including participation at the recent Euro Championship in Germany, McKenna’s experience at the international level adds further depth to his resume.

Known for his aerial ability, strength, and aggression, McKenna will hope to make an immediate impact in La Liga.

And his new club will no doubt look to leverage those qualities as they aim to improve on the 16th-placed finish from last season in the Spanish top-flight.

As McKenna joins the ranks of Las Palmas, he will be accompanied by one-time international teammate, Oli McBurnie, who also committed his future to being based in Gran Canaria until June 2027 after leaving Sheffield United

(Image: SNS)

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.