Scottish clubs completed their transfer business over the summer, with many squads looking fulfilled. The time has come, though, for forward planning.
It’s nothing new being well prepared, scouting stars windows in advance. But it’s becoming more and more crucial for our clubs to get a head start on the world’s cash bloated behemoths. Celtic and Rangers made no fewer than nine and seven signings each last summer, with Aberdeen bringing 11 in and St Johnstone totalling 14. It has been busy; but clubs cannot afford to pause here. With plenty of free agents available and teams less willing to offer long-term contracts for ageing players, it’s all systems go.
Some of course will be unattainable; however, there are plenty still yet to sign contracts with their current clubs, and with contracts running out in June 2023, opportunities are there for clubs across the Scottish Premiership to latch upon.
But who could potentially move to the top-flight if an offer is made? Record Sport takes a look at 17 potential free agents that could be incentivised by a switch to our top league.
Goalkeepers
Daniel Bentley, Bristol City to Hearts
Craig Gordon will hit 40 years of age by the time the new year comes around, and Zander Clark has yet to make an appearance for the club. With Bentley offering over seven years of consistent Championship experience, he could be tempted by potential European qualification with Bristol City unlikely to earn Premier League promotion.
Key stat: Bentley has only missed 14 games since the start of 2019/2020 season.
Andrey Lunyov, Bayer Leverkusen to Rangers
Again, this is a similar scenario to the one we just mentioned with Bentley. Both Jon McLaughlin and Allan McGregor are coming to the end of their careers, leaving only Robby McCrorie between the sticks. McGregor's contract is up at the end of the season - and his European experience could be replaced by a player like Lunyov, who has played 27 times on the continental stage. Ross Wilson retains contacts across Europe and has dipped into several markets.
Key stat: Lunyov won three consecutive Russian Premier League titles from 2018-2020.
Defenders
Daniel Amartey, Leicester to Rangers
Rangers lost a lot of quality in their back line this summer with the departures of Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun respectively. Of course, they have come to regret that with the injuries picked up by Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and John Souttar. With Amartey able to fill in across the defence, and with a wealth of Premier League experience, he could be a perfect addition. A gritty player who retains admirers at the King Power Stadium.
Key stat: Amartey won two league titles in the same season - as Copenhagen and Leicester both won their domestic titles in 2015/16.
John Paul van Hecke, Brighton to Celtic
Celtic aren't exactly short of central defensive options, to be fair to them. However, the departure of Christopher Jullien has limited them to four centre-backs, and with Moritz Jenz's loan set to end in May, an equally comfortable ball-playing defence could be on the cards. Van Hecke ticks all of those boxes.
Key stat: Van Hecke won Blackburn's player of the season in 2021/22.
John Anthony Brooks, Benfica to Celtic
Already boasting one American international in their back line, another wouldn't hurt Celtic. Brooks has only made three appearances for a defensively-sound Benfica this season, and could look for other Champions League guarantees if he departs. Celtic Park could be perfect for him.
Key stat: Brooks was born in Germany, although has an American father and a tattoo of Illinois - despite never living in the United States.
Jonny Evans, Leicester to Rangers
Evans has been a Premier League stalwart throughout his career, but in a Leicester defence under Brendan Rodgers that is constantly chopping and changing, he may see his career elsewhere. Turning 35 at the end of the season, he is unlikely to warrant a fee or have his contract renewed by the Foxes - and he'd become the most experienced defender in the Scottish top-flight by a country mile.
Key stat: Evans has won every major English competition, a Champions League and a FIFA Club World Cup.
Lubomir Satka, Lech Poznan to Hearts
Satka had a stint at Newcastle early in his career, and whilst he has since ventured to Poland, he could potentially opt for a move back to British shores if European football can be offered. Hearts could well be the side that tempt him back, especially with their reliance on currently-injured Craig Halkett. Joe Savage has been willing to think outside the box.
Key stat: Satka has made over 20 appearances in European competitions.
Midfielders
Han-Noah Massengo, Bristol City to Celtic
Celtic have had increased luck from the English Football League in recent years; Scott Sinclair, Moussa Dembele, Matt O'Riley and, to an extent, Jeremie Frimpong have all been inspired signings. With Massengo being a sought-after talent, Celtic could regale him with the success stories of the past as they aim to replace ageing midfielder James McCarthy and offer competition for their current stars. The 21-year-old is a wanted man.
Key stat: Massengo has been linked with the likes of Brendan Rodgers' Leicester.
Todd Cantwell, Norwich to Rangers
Ryan Kent's whereabouts this time next season is still unknown. Producing a series of underwhelming performances, interest in his services has declined. If he does move on, however, then Cantwell is a likeminded midfielder who has not been given a fair crack of the whip in recent weeks. The Norwich star could be rejuvenated by a move to Ibrox and appears the type to thrive under the noise.
Key stat: Cantwell scored six goals in his debut Premier League season.
Mohamed Elyounoussi, Southampton to Celtic
Old relations between Elyounoussi and Celtic could be revisited should the Saints choose to run the Norwegian's contract down. He's started seven of their ten games this season, but with no goals or assists, the St. Mary's outfit may opt to replace him in the summer - opening an emotional return but there will likely be many suitors if he leaves the south coast.
Key stat: Elyounoussi scored the same amount of league goals in his first Celtic spell as he has in his entire Southampton career.
Sam Clucas, Stoke to Aberdeen
Clucas, now 32, and whilst he stars for Stoke, new boss and Scot, Alex Neil, tends to favour younger incomings. Clucas is still energetic, and as a versatile option he could fit seamlessly as a star man in Aberdeen's squad. Jim Goodwin is willing to look everywhere for added talent.
Key stat: Clucas made his name in the Glenn Hoddle academy at Jerez Industrial in Spain.
Ashley Westwood, Burnley to Hibs
Vincent Kompany's arrival at Burnley has seen him bring in 16 new signings - all under the age of 27. Not that Westwood doesn't have a part to play - that is unknown due to injury he suffered last April. But the Belgian's planning could suggest a potential career switch for the former Aston Villa man. Lee Johnson knows the English football league market inside out.
Key stat: Westwood scored two direct corners in just under one year for Burnley.
Emin Mahmudov, Neftchi Baku to Hearts
Hearts have enjoyed success from goalscoring midfielders in the past; Andy Halliday chipped in with a fair few last season, but they could do with a real goal threat from midfield, perhaps. Mahmudov has provided that consistently throughout his career, and with a potential switch to Scotland inviting an increased profile, that could work for all parties.
Key stat: Mahmudov won Azerbaijani Player of the Year in 2021.
Attackers
David McGoldrick, Derby to Dundee United
McGoldrick's record in the English leagues is impressive. Over 113 goals in 16 years, he aged like a fine wine in his spell at Sheffield United. Already strutting his stuff at Derby County, the Tangerines could take him on to lead their line as he potentially looks for a route out of League One. United know experienced stars can compliment their batch of rising talents.
Key stat: McGoldrick recorded his best ever season just two years ago, firing eight goals in the Premier League for the Blades.
Oli McBurnie, Sheffield United to Rangers
A boyhood Rangers fan, with a club potentially in need of a striker due to Alfredo Morelos' future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst being uncertain. McBurnie could be the perfect fit for Rangers - and with his Scotland future likely to be reignited, this deal would make sense. It may be hard to prise him away, but it would be well worth an attempt. It certainly wouldn't be dull.
Key stat: McBurnie's £20m move to Sheffield United from Swansea broke the Scottish record until Kieran Tierney's move from Celtic to Arsenal.
Tai Baribo, Wolfsberger AC to Celtic
Celtic have enjoyed a lot of success with Israeli players over the last decade; Beram Kayal, Nir Bitton and now Liel Abada are flying the flag for their nation at Parkhead. Baribo could be the next in line; notching 11 goals in 29 Austrian Bundesliga appearances last season and six in 12 this season, the 24-year-old would be an inspired free signing.
Key stat: Baribo made his national debut in March against Germany.
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