Transfer talk is some of the most exciting gossip of the season- newspapers make their predications, record fees are tossed around, and fans are seething with a lack of action. What more could any avid onlooker desire? Well, of course, a look at what positions clubs may want to sign!
Aberdeen, as of late, have struggled in the league, however they are now beginning to pick up points here and there. What may help their case even further is a few more decent signings under their belt. There are two areas which I feel they must strengthen before the close of the transfer window in six days!
They desperately require a striker who will score goals week in and out. That’s not to suggest that current striker, Kevin Nesbit, is not a prolific scorer, however he usually kicks on part way through a season-not what Aberdeen need in their current state. They need someone who provides a presence- someone defenders dread to see powering through on goal. The Dons have signed striker, Toyosi Olusanya, from the MLS, although I feel they need one more striker in the door to shore up that position.
There is definitely a hole in the Aberdeen defence, and given they have conceded 30 goals this season, they may aim to fill that void. Losing Alfie Dorrington was a major blow for them- arguably one of their better defenders- but they must look for other options. Aberdeen can be a physical team, and they must sign someone who isn’t shy of last ditch tackles and also knows where the goal is at the other end. They have made head way in their quest for defenders as Liam Morrison joins on loan from Queen’s Park Rangers.
Aberdeen have obviously identified these areas as a possible weakness and have definitely wasted no time in securing the signatures of players they hope will revitalise their season. I’d determine a few more faces are required to get their season fully back on track.
The reigning Champions, Celtic, on the other hand have only made two signings- both of which are loan deals. They have answered concerns in the striking department with the signing of Tomáš Čvančara from Borussia Mönchengladbach and signed defender Julián Araujo.
The one position I which they are truly lacking is a defensive midfielder, in saying that probably just a midfielder in general. The misconception is that teams such as Celtic- with their significant squad depth- shouldn’t lack in places, however they do. Celtic currently miss someone who will take charge and show a bit of passion in midfield. Yes, they have captain Callum McGregor, however the veteran Celtic midfielder hasn’t looked himself of late. They require a powerhouse player- someone others can feed off- not just on the pitch, but also off it. They need someone to instil that Celtic belief again. With time ticking away, the race could be on for the signature of a midfielder.
Dundee, who are battling it out at the bottom of the table, have left no stone unturned and have made a plethora of signings. They shored up their midfield, wings and defence within the transfer window. All in all, I’d deem this a pretty successful window for the Dundee side.
Their rivals, Dundee United, on the other hand, have made only one signing. Wingback, Neil Farrugia joined from the EFL. Should Terrors’ fans be concerned that with six days to go they are showing no signs of putting further pen to paper?
The Terrors are pretty well covered in other areas of the outfield playing squad, however if I was Jim Goodwin, I’d be concerned with the lack of availability of goalkeepers. Goalkeepers, like any other player, can become injured at any moment and with only two on the roster, I wouldn’t be leaving anything to chance. Even if United don’t want to break the budget, there are plenty of younger keepers who would bite your glove off- pun intended- for a loan deal. This will prove to be a massive six final days in the transfer window for the Terrors.
Falkirk are on the polar opposite end of the spectrum and have been extending the contracts of players who are proving invaluable, as well as adding a few fresh faces. The Bairns, who have climbed their way up the table, have turned to youth to bolster their squad. With signings from Newcastle United and Sheffield United, Falkirk look pretty set for the rest of the season and are one of the few teams I’d say don’t particularly have to run to market.
Much like Falkirk, the current league leaders, Hearts, have made no mistake in the transfer market and are not going to let their title hopes slip away at the risk of fatigue. Derek McInnes has ensured the signing of four players and a further two who will join the club in the Summer. The Jambos have added all over the pitch, although with Lawerence Shankland out for several weeks could they also be on the search for a stand- in striker?
Edinburgh rivals, Hibernian, who are struggling to make their mark this campaign, are yet to make a signing. Yes, Hibs have a rather large squad and possibly don’t need any more depth, but given recent performances they require more quality.
They possess plenty of attacking quality, but end product appears to be lacking. Bowie is certainly someone who can lead a line and given a goal scoring opportunity, the Scotland international will deliver. However, does he require a partner or someone who can be a top-quality number two. Martin Boyle isn’t showing the same goalscoring prowess as years gone by, and truthfully, I don’t think I’d partner Boyle and Bowie together anymore. Bowie is a natural goal scorer, and this season Boyle is yet to assist, so when played together are they offering enough? If they were in the market for another striker, I’d look for someone who will create for Bowie, as if they hit that nail on the head, Hibs would be an attacking threat to be reckoned with.
One of two sides who are struggling most in the league, Kilmarnock, have manufactured dismal performances. Given their current form and lack of direction, it’s difficult to pinpoint an area for improvement as all aspects aren’t clicking. They have secured Kelle Roos to provide a bit of competition for keeper, but the Ayrshire side are crying out for a striker who can score goals.
Losing Kyle Vassell was a major blow for Killie and they have been unable to fill the former captain’s void. They are looking for a carbon copy of Vassell as this suited their style of play best- someone who is physical, threatening and knows his way to goal.
New boss, Neil McCann, will be keeping his options open and hoping that a few deals manifest to pull Kilmarnock out of the relegation zone, but with time running out are Killie in a spot of bother?
Bringing up the rear of the table is Livingston who are in a much similar position to Kilmarnock. Who do you bring in to turn it around? At risk of repeating myself, Livi are also in the market for a striker, defensive stability and a bit of squad depth. They have signed an Estonian striker, veteran player- Scott Arfield and another goalkeeper, but a few more faces may be required if David Martindale hopes to turn their season around.
On the other hand, the Fir Park faithful have been enjoying times of late as Motherwell are certainly giving the title challengers a run for their money and appear set within the squad. However, I’m sure Berthel Askou will be keen to see a few more deals done before Monday.
The Steelmen were crying out for an out and out striker and although Maswanhise has shown that he can be the main man, there has to be competition within the squad. The Lanarkshire side bagged their man last week as striker, Eythor Bjørgolfsson joined on a two-year deal. Although he has been their only signing so far, I have a feeling Motherwell aren’t quite finished and they have been known to favour a deadline day signing.
As defensive stalwart, Stephen Welsh was recalled by Celtic they are also in a position to sign another defender. They need a player who possesses much the same quality as him- puts his body on the line, commands a box and is comfortable playing out from the box. Not a big ask from the Steelmen!
Title challengers, Rangers, have been slow in the market this season or are they possibly biding their time? Röhl does have Rangers on a roll, but the German manager knows he must strengthen their attacking output. Rangers are comfortable looking in midfield and defence with some stellar players holding the line, however striking is where their short coming lies.
Much like everybody else, they require someone who puts their foot on the ball and scores. A team of Rangers stature needs a player who can fill the boots of past icons- Ally McCoist and Kris Boyd- someone who can score on a rolling basis and become Mr consistent. They have a mammoth job on their hands to source a player who ticks all the boxes and potentially boost Rangers’ chances of silverware.
Finally, in the transfer saga, St Mirren are another struggling team. The Buddies have bolstered their attacking threat with two signings up top and boss, Stephen Robinson, has reunited with old colleague Alan Campbell- who brings midfield competition. They have shown on their day, St Mirren can force a result- take the Premier Sports Cup for example. A result like that shows they have the quality needed to boost themselves out of the bottom six, it’s just a matter of when. In other positions, the Buddies are set; they have strong attacking midfielders who play fast football and others who know the defensive requirements, which makes it so surprising that they find themselves so far down the table.
With all that being said, the main takeaways from your transfer overview- everyone is vying for the same position: they either need a striker, defender or both. These coming days are going to prove pivotal in teams’ season and, I for one, can’t wait to see what deadline day brings or more to the point who it brings.
I have a keen interest in sport journalism and broadcasting.
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