Rangers have been ranked as the best performers in the Scottish Premiership transfer window so far, with Derek McInnes' side making swift and effective moves to strengthen their squad. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Celtic have been criticised for a sluggish window, having made only one signing—Camilo Duran from Qarabag—while rivals have been more proactive.
Rangers Lead the Way
Rangers have secured four permanent signings and one loan deal, including Lawrence Shankland from Hearts, Ross McCrorie from Bristol City, and Cammy Devlin also from Hearts. The Ibrox club also brought in Ben Godfrey on loan from Atalanta and Dan Neil from Sunderland. According to Robbie Copeland of the Daily Record, McInnes appears to be shaping his team based on what worked for him at Hearts last season, with two of their top performers now at his disposal. The business has been described as having a 'real air of solidity and reliability,' and if the club continues at this pace, there is reason for optimism.
Hearts and Aberdeen Follow
Hearts rank second, having made eight signings despite losing their manager and two key players to a league rival. New boss Wouter Vrancken and Jamestown Analytics have overseen a decent start to rebuilding, with Calvin Miller—who assisted more goals than anyone in the Premiership last season—among the arrivals. Aberdeen sit fourth, with Stephen Robinson warning fans not to expect 'sexy' signings. The club has brought in ten players, including Kilmarnock pair Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons, and Connor Ronan, a former player of Robinson's. The bulk of business is done, but the impact remains to be seen.
Celtic at the Bottom
Celtic are ranked 12th and last, with only Camilo Duran arriving for a fee up to £6m. The club's transfer activity has been described as 'too slow,' with more kits announced than signings. Copeland noted that while Duran looks promising after a stunning Champions League season with Qarabag, three or four more similar signings are needed before the deadline to change the outlook at Parkhead.
Other Clubs Rated
St Mirren (11th) have made five signings but their business looks 'scattergun,' with Chris Mochrie and Henry Fieldson needing time to adapt. Motherwell (10th) have made only three signings and are waiting to see if key players leave. St Johnstone (9th) have returned to the top flight with promising domestic additions like Matty Todd and Logan Chalmers. Hibs (8th) have had an unusually quiet window, finally signing striker Nathan Lowe from Stoke City. Dundee (7th) have replaced losses like Luke Graham and Billy Koumetio with Owen Bevan and Ryan Finnigan. Kilmarnock (6th) have utilised links with Rangers for Bailey Rice, but look threadbare at the back. Falkirk (5th) have focused on experience and permanent signings, with Ben Krauhaus from Brentford a promising arrival.
Dundee United Make Moves
Dundee United rank third, having added quality where needed and trimmed a bloated squad. Dylan Tait moved from Falkirk and immediately made an impact, wearing the captain's armband in their opening League Cup tie. Michael Forbes from West Ham is a potential coup, while three Australian signings include striker Lachlan Rose, who initially appears the best of them.
The domestic season is now underway for most clubs, providing an early gauge of how these transfers are bedding in. As the window progresses, further moves are expected, particularly from Celtic, who need to accelerate their rebuild to compete.
