GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 20: Odsonne Edouard of Celtic celebrates after scoring their sides second goal during the William Hill Scottish Cup final match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Hampden Park National Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Scotland’s transfer market is moving at pace as clubs scramble to reshape their squads ahead of the new Premiership season.
Rangers moved quickly to appoint Derek McInnes as manager at Ibrox following Danny Rohl’s departure to RB Salzburg earlier this summer.
Lawrence Shankland was already through the door before McInnes arrived, but supporters are hopeful another Scotland international could follow soon.
Rangers fans remain keen on former academy product Lewis Ferguson returning to his boyhood club from Bologna, though any deal would likely require a club-record fee.
Questions are also circulating about whether Nicolas Raskin could feature as part of any potential package to bring Ferguson back to Scotland.
Celtic face a summer of significant change, with Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate continuing to attract interest from clubs elsewhere in Europe.
Arne Engels has outlined a timeframe that could determine whether he remains at Celtic Park beyond the current transfer window.
Hearts are moving swiftly following the departures of both their manager and captain, with Malachi Fagan-Walcott already arriving from York City.
A reported one million euro move for Beerschot goalkeeper Sabri Guendouz is said to be close as Hearts push to rebuild their squad rapidly.
St Johnstone have bolstered their attacking options by signing winger Logan Chalmers on a contract until 2028 from Partick Thistle.
Chalmers, who struck 12 goals and contributed nine assists last season, expressed his excitement about the move after several conversations with manager Simo Valakari.
“I’m so happy to finally get it done and can’t wait to now get started,” said Chalmers, who came through the ranks at Dundee United.
“I had a few calls with the gaffer. From the first time I spoke to him, I could see myself playing here.”
Chalmers joins Spanish arrival Unax Alvarez, signed from CD Guadalajara, as St Johnstone look to build on their Championship title-winning campaign.
Former Rangers forward Fashion Sakala has committed his future to Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha, signing a new deal that runs until 2029.
The 29-year-old Zambia international had been linked with a return to Britain but confirmed his extended stay in an emotive social media statement.
“I am delighted and grateful to announce that I have extended my contract with Al Fayha until 2029,” Sakala wrote, also thanking his family and supporters worldwide.
Elsewhere, St Mirren captain Mark O’Hara has been offered a new contract by the Buddies, though Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann is keen to bring the midfielder back to Rugby Park.
Craig McLeish, who takes charge of his first St Mirren pre-season today, insists he will quickly stamp his authority on the squad without waiting for multiple transfer windows to pass.
Hibs have completed the signing of Jason Kerr, Aberdeen have added Connor Ronan, and Falkirk received a welcome financial boost from Barney Stewart’s move to West Brom.
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