Image Credit

The transfer window in Scotland has slammed shut and every team has been busy, with many new signings looking to make an impact for their respective teams. With the season underway, will these players be the key to success?

Aberdeen 

Notable Incomings: Marius Muller (Wolfsburg, £430k); Chris Cadden (Hibernian, £200k); Lewis Mayo (Kilmarnock, Free); Toyosi Olusanya (Houston, Free); Brad Lyons (Kilmarnock, Free); Dan Happe (Leyton Orient, Free); Nesta Guinness-Walker (Northampton, Free); Lewis Smith (Livingston, Undisclosed); Mitchy Ntelo (Yverdon Sport, Undisclosed).

Notable Outgoings: Topi Keskinen (Odense BK, £1.2m); Kjartan Mar Kjartansson (SK Brann, £601k); Alexander Jensen (Elfsborg, £502k); Dimitar Mitov (St. Pauli, £343k); Per Kristian Bratveit (Haguesund, Free); Graeme Shinnie (Inverness CT, Free); Marko Lazetic (FC Noah, Undisclosed); Peter Ambrose (Neuchatel Xamax, Undisclosed)

Profit/Loss: +£1.93 million

The arrival of Stephen Robinson last season signified a big change for Aberdeen, as they snatched the manager from a St. Mirren side that had won the League Cup just three months prior.

To bring Aberdeen back up to where they belong and in contention for European football would take a big squad overhaul, having finished ninth last season. So, they have completely changed their squad, with 13 players coming and going.

Overall, the signings addressed some of the critical areas needing improvement, such as the signing of Marius Muller in the goalkeeper department and Chris Cadden at right back. Plus, the additions of former Kilmarnock duo Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons add Premiership experience to the squad. Yet, there isn’t really a standout signing that brings a wow factor.

Whilst the squad has been bolstered and there are quality players there, it feels like a lot of these moves are sideways signings, not really players who can progress the squad back to the levels Aberdeen expect.

It may take a while for the new squad to click, but with their worrying form to start the season, they will hope it will turn around quickly.  

Key signing: Lewis Mayo. Although injury-prone, when fit, he is a solid player and will add the stability and Premiership experience that Aberdeen desperately need in their backline. 

Verdict: C+

Celtic 

Notable Incomings: Kasper Hogh (Bodo/Glimt, £11m); Hassiem Hassan (Real Oviedo, £6m); Mika Baur (SC Paderborn, £5.4m); Camilo Duran (Qarabag, £4.75m) Joel van den Berg (PSV, £3m); Jordan Lotomba (Feyenoord, Loan); Oliver Sorensen (Parma, Loan); Shumaria Mhueka (Chelsea, Loan); Sam Johnstone (Wolves, Loan); Landon Emenalo (Chelsea, Loan).

Notable Outgoings: Arne Engels (West Ham United, £22m); Daizen Maeda (Ipswich Town, £8m); Reo Hatate (Burnley, £7.5m); Luis Palma (Lech Poznan, £3.5m); Maik Nawrocki (Lens, £2m); Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor, Free); Stephen Welsh (Swansea City, Free); Paulo Bernardo (Gornik Zabrze, Loan); Michel-Ange Balikwisha (KAA Gent, Loan), Hayato Inamura (Tokyo, £1 million)

Profit/Loss: +£17.5 million

Celtic’s astounding loss to LASK in the Champions League was the kickstart that the club needed to get in gear and make signings. It exposed the many areas that needed work and Celtic went on a spree, announcing five signings in one day. Although there are quite a few loan signings, they are solid players that add much-needed depth to the squad. In terms of the big-name signings, Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh have shown much promise in the games so far, whilst Hassiem Hassan had a great World Cup campaign with Egypt, helping his nation make it to the round of 16. Sam Johnstone is a great pickup in net, bringing experience from England’s top two tiers. In terms of sales, they have done fantastically as they have accumulated around £42m, including the record-breaking sale of Arne Engels to West Ham United. All in all, they ended the window very well with their late flurry of names through the door and look to have a great pool of players to potentially challenge in Europe as well as domestically.  

Key Signing: Camilo Duran. Started well with six goals in eight games, giving Celtic the attacking threat they needed.  

Verdict: A

Dundee 

Notable Incomings: Idris Odutayo (Bromley, Free); Zan Besir (ND Primorje, Free); Alan Forrest (Hearts, Free); Joe Wright (Bradford, Undisclosed); Ryan Finnigan (Blackpool, Undisclosed); Owen Bevan (Bournemouth, Undisclosed); Owen Goodman (Crystal Palace, Loan); Bobby Wales (Swansea, Loan); Bradley Fink (Wycombe, Loan); Jack Moorhouse (Manchester United, Loan). 

Notable Outgoings: Luke Graham (Stoke City, €2.35m); Ethan Ingram (Partick Thistle, Free); Paul Digby (Colchester United, Free); Lewis Montsma (Port Vale, free); Billy Koumetio (Charlton, Undisclosed); Emile Acquah (Notts County, Undisclosed). 

Profit/Loss: £2 million

Dundee have started the season better than most anticipated, with good wins against Aberdeen and Dundee United to give themselves a solid foothold in the table. In the transfer window, they have bolstered their squad whilst in turn getting rid of deadwood and receiving a very respectable fee for the sale of Luke Graham. In terms of their signings, the loan signing of Owen Goodman provides a solid presence in goal whilst Bradley Fink can link up with Joe Westley and provide a threat up front in the absence of injured captain Simon Murray. Following their eighth-place finish last year, they seem to have done enough in the window, retaining players such as Ethan Hamilton, who had a great impact throughout last season. It is a solid window, although it perhaps could have been improved with the signing of a proper right back, with Drey Wright still having to drop back and cover the position.   

Key Signing: Owen Goodman. Has started the season well, keeping them in certain games, such as their 2-0 win over Aberdeen with brilliant saves. 

The Verdict : B-

Dundee United 

Notable Incomings: Zidane Iqbal (Utrecht, £429k); Jesse Randall (Auckland FC, Free); Dylan Tait (Falkirk, Free); Kevin Ciubotaru (FC Hermannstadt, Free); Lachlan Rose (Newcastle United Jets, Free); Jack Walton (Preston North End, Undisclosed); Joshua Rawlins (Melbourne Victory, Undisclosed); Lyall Cameron (Rangers, Loan); Idjessi Metsoko (Viktoria Plzeň, Loan); Abdoulaye Yoro (Basaksehir, Loan). 

Notable Outgoings: Ryan Strain (Falkirk, Free); Ashley Mayanrd-Brewer (Sheffield Wednesday, Free); Craig Sibbald (Falkirk, Free); Julius Eskesen (KuPS, Undisclosed); Owen Stirton (Ayr United, Loan). 

Profit/Loss: -£429k

After a mixed season in which Dundee United finished seventh, a big transfer window was needed to get the team back to challenging for top six football. With the signings made this summer, I would argue they have done exactly that. Although their start to the season has been rather mixed, with a couple of drubbings courtesy of Hearts and Celtic, their 4-0 win against Kilmarnock and their resilient 1-1 draw with Rangers displayed the potential this team possesses. Picking up players such as Jesse Randall and Lachlan Rose strengthens the attack, whilst the midfield has been bolstered with the signings of Lyall Cameron, Dylan Tait and most importantly, Zidane Iqbal. Iqbal came through the Manchester United academy and was highly rated at the time of his debut for the club, when he came on in a Champions League match against BSC Young Boys. His career hasn’t really panned out as intended since then, but with a fresh start as the focal player in this United team, he has a chance to flourish and live up to his potential. Overall, a great window for a team that was crying out for depth, which they have achieved with their 14 signings.  

Key Signing: Zidane Iqbal. Probably the most surprising transfer of this window but a brilliant pickup for United, almost no risk with a huge potential. 

Verdict: B

Falkirk 

Notable Incomings: Lewis Neilson (Hearts, Free); Ryan Strain (Dundee United, Free); Jack McMillan (Exeter City, Free); Deniss Melniks (Auda, Free); Craig Sibbald (Dundee United, Free); Scott Tanser (St. Mirren); Jacob Murrell (DC United, Undisclosed); Joe Gardner (Nottingham Forest, Undisclosed); Ethan Laidlaw (Brentford, Undisclosed); Owen Eames (Derby, Loan); Finley Barbrook (Ipswich Town, Loan). 

Notable Outgoings: Barney Stewart (West Bromwich Albion, £1.29m); Dylan Tait (Dundee United, Free); Jamie Sneddon (Airdrieonians, Free); Sean Mackie (Arbroath, Free); Brian Graham (Ross County, Free); Rhys Walker (Cowdenbeath, Free); Calvin Miller (Hearts, Undisclosed). 

Profit/Loss: +£1.29 million

Following on from last season’s exploits, it was always going to be hard to keep hold of star players Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller. Replacing them? Even tougher. The club has brought in a number of new attackers, most notably American Jacob Murell and Hibs academy product Ethan Laidlaw.

The club have done well to bring in Lewis Neilson and Ryan Strain, two great additions on the defensive end who both have Premiership experience. They have made plenty of signings, all capable of contributing to the team in their aims to replicate the success of last season. That is looking unlikely, however, as the Barins have just two points from their first five league games, as well as enduring a shock exit in the group stages of the League Cup. The club has clearly recruited well and provided depth, but the losses of Miller and Stewart may prove to be costly.  

Key signing: Jacob Murrell. Having lost both Barney Stewart and Calvin Miller this summer, Murrell will need to step up and try to fill in the gap in attack left by the departure of last season’s heroes.  

The Verdict: C

Hearts 

Notable Incomings: Malachi Fagan-Walcott (York City, £1m); Sabri Guendouz (Beerschot £860k); Laurent Mendy (Forest Green Rovers, £500k); Amadou Ba-Sy (FC Rouen 1899, £171k); JJ Williams (Rhode Island FC, £100k); Beau Reus (SK Beveren, Free); Stuart Findlay (Oxford United, Free); Josh McPake (St. Johnstone, Free); Tom Renaud (FC Versailles, Free); Calvin Miller (Falkirk, Undisclosed).  

Notable Outgoings: Alexandros Kyziridis (Corum FK, £1.63m); Michael Steinwender (VfL Bochum, £429k); Islam Chesnokov (Tobol Kostanay, £343k); Lawrence Shankland (Rangers, Free); Cammy Devlin (Rangers, Free); Lewis Neilson (Falkirk, Free); Alexander Schwolow (Mainz, Free); Alan Forrest (Dundee, Free); Kenneth Vargas (Kalamata, Loan).  

Profit/Loss: -£214k

The only reason this is not an A+ is due to the loss of both Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin on a free transfer to league rivals. Outside those factors, this has been an incredible window for the Edinburgh side. Each of the above-mentioned signings is perfect for the team, as indicated by the good start domestically and on the European stage. They have started the season winning four out of their five league games, with new signings crucial to these victories. Players such as Calvin Miller, Laurent Mendy, Tom Renaud, Beau Reus and Josh McPake have slotted into the team perfectly, all chipping in with goals, assists and overall performing very well. It was never going to be easy losing Shankland, Devlin and also manager Derek McInnes to Rangers, but with these signings all capable of starting for and improving the team, they will once again look to challenge at the top end of the table.  

Key Signing: Calvin Miller. Has started the season very well and continued his fine form from last season with Falkirk, a brilliant pickup for Hearts that will likely prove to be well worth it.  

The Verdict: A

Hibernian 

Notable Incomings: Marko Ivezic (Holsten Kein, £386k); Callum Wright (Plymouth, Free); Jason Kerr (Wigan, Free); Adam Mayor (Millwall, Undisclosed); Nathan Lowe (Stoke City, Loan); Jacob Devaney (Manchester United, Loan); Alex Williams (West Bromwich Albion, Loan).  

Notable Outgoings: Warren O’Hora (Leicester City, £400k); Chris Cadden (£200k); Elie Youan (Wisla Krakow, Free); Josh Campbell (St. Johnstone, Loan). 

Profit/Loss: +£213k

For a team that ended the season rather disappointingly, finishing fifth when fourth was so close, Hibs have been rather lacklustre in the transfer market compared to the other teams in the league. With recent losses to St. Johnstone and Hearts, the lack of signings becomes even more baffling. Hibs are down to just two recognised centre-backs in the form of Jack Iredale and Jason Kerr, with others out injured or work permits not yet through.

Having slated the lack of activity, there are some quality signings, such as Kerr and Callum Wright, whilst Adam Mayor and Jacob Devaney have had good starts, with Devaney winning the player of the match award on his debut against Dundee.

Yet, it does just feel that Hibs were making signings for the sake of it; however, not recruiting in the right places and being content with players that have been past their best for a couple of seasons. Letting Josh Campbell go out on loan is, in my eyes, a very bad decision, as he has been at the club for 18 years and always gives full effort when on the pitch. Warren O’Hora’s move to Leicester City is another strange outgoing, as he had become an integral part of the backline. It is a hard one to judge, but for me a lot of these moves feel like sideways signings, when Hibs should be looking forward to try and consistently challenge for Europe. Overall, a very poor window in my eyes for a team that desperately needed some new quality.  

Key Signing: Jason Kerr. Adds experience and composure at the back, with the loss of Warren O’Hora making this signing even more important.  

The Verdict: C-

Kilmarnock 

Notable Incomings: Mark O’Hara (St Mirren, Free); Johnathon Meier (SSV Ulm 1846, Free); Erik Ring (Lincoln City, Undisclosed); Aaron Tshibola (Free Agent); Bailey Rice (Rangers, Loan); Cathal McCarthy (Hull City, Loan). 

Notable Outgoings: David Watson (Bolton, Free); Robbie McCrorie (NK Varazdin, Free); Lewis Mayo (Aberdeen, Free); Brad Lyons (Aberdeen, Free); Bruce Anderson (Livingston, Free); Dominic Thomson (SK Beveren, Free); Ben Brannan (Queen’s Park, Loan); Scott Tiffoney (Raith Rovers, Loan). 

Profit/Loss: Break Even

Neil McCann came in and steadied a sinking ship last season, guiding Killie to safety following a poor first half of the season. Having finished tenth, you would have expected them to be more ambitious in the transfer window. This window, they have brought in a good number of players, yet none really stand out as players that can change the team’s fortunes. Mark O’Hara is a great addition, as is Erik Ring, whilst loan signings of Bailey Rice and Cathal McCarthy provide them with promising youngsters hoping to make an impact. But other than that, none of their signings stand out to me, and with their form already dreadfully poor in the league, it is going to take a lot to turn around their season. McCann is no doubt already feeling the pressure, with just one point so far in the league.

Losing Finlay Curtis after his loan ended is a massive blow, as he was integral to the good form Killie ended the season with. The losses of Lewis Mayo and captain Brad Lyons to Aberdeen also cause problems, with both leaving on free transfers. They have lost players that helped keep them up the previous season and the replacements brought in look to be nowhere near good enough at the moment.   

Key Signing: Mark O’Hara. A League Cup winner with St. Mirren, he has Premiership experience and will be key if Kilmarnock manage to stay up this season.  

The Verdict: D+

Motherwell 

Notable Incomings: Dylan Levitt (Leyton Orient, €400k); Jardell Kanga (Ilves, €400k); Jake Girdwood-Reich (St. Louis CITY, Free); Martin Moormann (Blau Weiss Linz, Free); Joe Hodge (Tondela, Undisclosed); Dylan Williams (Burton Albion, Undisclosed); Alex Paulsen (Bournemouth, Loan); Alex Lowry (Wycombe, Loan). 

Notable Outgoings: Elijah Just (Swansea City, €5.90m); Elliot Watt (Samsunspor, €1.50m); Calum Ward (QPR, €760k); Callum Slattery (Sheffield Wednesday, Free); Kofi Balmer (Bristol Rovers, Free); Liam Gordon (Gillingham, Free). 

Motherwell produced a generational season, finishing fourth and putting out perhaps the best and most consistent performances of the season. They have started this season strongly, notching eight points in five league games whilst also going far in Europe, making it to the Conference League playoff round before being overpowered by Europa League finalists Freiburg. In terms of their transfer window, I would class it as being very successful. They have managed to keep a hold of key players integral to last season’s success, such as league top goalscorer Tawanda Maswinhise. They have sold three of the five players that made it into the PFA Premiership Team of the year, receiving over €8m combined for the sale of all three players. In terms of recruitment, they have bolstered all areas with quality signings such as Jardell Kanga in attack, Dylan Levitt in midfield and Martin Moormann in defence. A great window for a brilliant team that will be looking to once again challenge for a spot in the top four. 

Key Signing: Alex Paulsen. A great pickup who has started the season well but has a tough job in replacing the brilliant Calum Ward. 

The Verdict: A-

Rangers 

Notable Incomings: Kevin Kelsy (Portland, £9.2m); Min-su Kim (Girona, £8.6m); Ivor Pandur (Hull City, £6m); Vanja Dragojevic (Partizan Belgrade, £4.3m); Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia, £3m); Daisuke Yokota (Hannover 96, £2.8m); Ross McCrorie (Bristol City, £1m); James Penrice (AEK Athens, Loan fee: £430k); Dan Neil (Sunderland, Free); Lawrence Shankland (Hearts, Free); Cammy Devlin (Hearts, Free); Badredine Bouanani (Stuttgart, Loan); Ben Godfrey (Atalanta, Loan). 

Notable Outgoings: Mohamed Diomande (Corum FK, £4.5m); Oliver Antman (RSC Anderlecht, £3.7m); Jack Butland (Hull City, £3m); Thelo Asagaard (RSC Anderlecht, Loan fee: £1.3m); Danilo (Botafogo, Loan fee: £300k); Nedim Bajrami (Al-Taawoun, Loan fee: £171k); Ben Davies (Bolton, Free); Connor Barron (Middleborough, Loan); Bailey Rice (Kilmarnock, Loan).  

Profit/Loss: -£22 million

The appointment of Derek McInnes is one that brought a lot of hope for Rangers fans, yet the form to start the season has toned that right down. Now that the window is shut, the club finished it strongly, bringing in several players in the final weeks. The total number of players brought in by the end of the window is 14 and to me, these are all players that can make an impact and potentially improve the team.

TAfter their poor start to the season, it was clear that signings needed to be made. With Youssef Chermiti getting injured as well, a striker was desperately needed to support Shankland, prompting the signing of Kelsy. They have put together a team that, on paper, is very strong, but it of course comes down to the performances on the pitch. Their results have gotten better recently, with three wins on the trot in the league and overall looking much better than in previous weeks. They received good money for the sales of the likes of Mohamed Diomande and Oliver Antman, although sending Connor Baron out on loan is frankly bizarre, particularly when the midfield is the area in which I feel they lack depth the most.  

Key Signing: Min-su Kim. In a team that lacked a real creative threat, the South Korean will likely bring the spark that Derek McInnes is needing.  

The Verdict: A-

St. Johnstone 

Notable Incomings: Enes Alic (Zeljeznicar, Free); Danny Schmidt (Fortuna Dusseldorf, Free); Logan Chalmers (Partick Thistle, Free); Unax Alvarez (CD Guadalajara, Free); Matty Todd (Dunfermline, Free); Macauly Tait (Hearts, Undisclosed); Ruari Paton (Port Vale, Undisclosed); Josh Campbell (Hibernian, Loan); Toby Steward (Portsmouth, Loan). 

Notable Outgoings: Josh McPake (Hearts, Free); Johnathan Svedberg (IFK Mariehamn, Free); Franciszek Franczak (Odra Opole, Free); Sven Sprangler (Walsall, Undisclosed).  

Profit/Loss: Break Even

The newly-promoted side have seemingly kept their form from their Championship season, gaining seven points from a possible 15 to start the season, when many (including myself) had predicted them to go down. They have recruited smartly and look to be on track for survival should they keep up this form. The loan signing of Toby Steward looks to be a good one, with a great performance in a narrow loss backed up by a solid performance against Hibs in their most recent game. Enes Alic has looked good in games so far and Logan Chalmers is a great pickup, whilst bringing in Josh Campbell will likely turn out to be successful, as the Hibs man will bring intensity and perhaps goals for the Perth side. Losing Josh McPake was a sore one but an inevitable move, as last season’s Championship Player of the Year made the move to Hearts, where he has enjoyed a successful start to life in Edinburgh. Overall, losing McPake was tough, but the Saints have recruited well and look to be in a great position for the coming season.  

Key Signing: Toby Steward. Retaining their number one from last season’s successful loan is a big boost, a great goalkeeper who will be crucial in St. Johnstone’s bid for survival. 

The Verdict: B

St. Mirren 

Notable Incomings: Samuel Ramos (Michalovce, Free); Luke Thomas (Bristol Rovers, Free); Henry Fieldson (Queen’s Park, Free); Chris Mochrie (Airdrieonians, Free); Nikolas Agrafiotis (Wehen Wiesbaden, Undisclosed); Jacob Chapman (Huddersfield, Undisclosed); Eseosa Sule (West Bromwich Albion, Undisclosed); Calvin Ramsay (Liverpool, Loan); Paul Nsio (Rangers, Loan). 

Notable Outgoings: Mark O’Hara (Kilmarnock, Free); Dan Nlundulu (Petrolul, Free); Oisin Smyth (Partick Thistle, Free); Scott Tanser (Falkirk, Free); Tunmise Sobowale (Shamrock Rovers, Undisclosed); Roland Idowu (FC Botosani, Undisclosed).  

Profit/Loss: Break Even

Having survived relegation by the skin of their teeth, St. Mirren have had a window that could be described as satisfactory. They have, of course, surprised everyone and currently sit third in the table, with their first loss of the league season coming in a close game against Celtic. They have recruited all over the park but primarily in midfield and attack, with Samuel Ramos, Luke Thomas and Nikolas Agrafiotis the most notable signings. Their close call with relegation seemingly indicated that signings needed to be made and they have done just that. They did, however, let stalwart midfielder Mark O’Hara leave on a free to league rivals Kilmarnock, a decision that may be costly. They have also left themselves a little light at the back, with former Queen’s Park left-back Harry Fieldson playing at centre-back in recent games. Overall, however, it’s been a solid window that provides the team with depth and retaining players such as Killian Phillips, who has three league goals in two games, is a big bonus.  

Key Signing: Calvin Ramsay. Having not really found his footing at Liverpool, a move back to the Premiership will hopefully rejuvenate him and help him reach his full potential.  

The Verdict : B-