Celtic and Hearts lose prospects, Rangers move protected, Scottish Cup winner exits - SPFL transfers

Here are the latest SPFL transfer stories from Monday, July 6...

Saints return for ex-Hibs loan man

Zach Mitchell has returned to newly-promoted St Johnstone on a season-long loan from Charlton.

The 21-year-old defender made 10 appearances for Saints during a loan stint in the second half of the 2024-25 campaign as Simo Valakari’s side were relegated from the William Hill Premiership.

After spending the first half of last season with Hibs, Englishman Mitchell is now preparing for a third separate spell in the Scottish top flight.

“I have been at the club before and I thoroughly enjoyed my time when I was here,” the centre-back told Saints’ website. “To be honest, I fell in love with the place, and the fans as well.

“I also enjoyed how the gaffer works and that was a big part in me coming back to Perth. I really enjoy his style and philosophy and, after speaking to him, I know we can be competitive this year and push on.

“I was gutted last time to not be able to see the season out due to injury, so I almost feel I have unfinished business here. I want to hit the ground running.”

Celtic lose youngster

Celtic youngster Dara Jikiemi has signed a contract with Premier League giants Liverpool.

The 16-year-old defender had multiple offers on the table after rejecting a new deal with the Parkhead club.

And, according to reports, the Scotland Under-16 captain has agreed a move to Anfield on a five-year contract.

Celtic will be due training compensation for a player but are expected to receive a significantly reduced amount because the move is a cross-border transfer within the UK.

Jikiemi follows in the footsteps of Ben Gannon-Doak, who made the same move from Celtic to Liverpool at the same age in 2022.

Hearts prospect departs

Nottingham Forest have snapped up teenage midfielder Boyd Fraser from Hearts.

The Scotland Under-16 international joins the Forest academy on a scholarship deal after helping the Jambos win their first Scottish Youth Cup in 26 years last season.

Head of Academy, Chris McGuane, said: “It is fantastic that we have been able to bring Boyd to Nottingham Forest. He is a player we have thought of highly and monitored his journey closely both at Hearts and when he has captained Scotland in international fixtures.

"He possesses real quality in possession and is an exciting player that will join our Under-18 squad ahead of the new season. Credit goes to our Scotland scout John McKenna in identifying Boyd and supporting with his transition to Nottingham. We wish Boyd all the best with his journey at the club."

Rangers transfer protected

Rangers appear to be moving closer to signing Partizan Belgrade captain Vanja Dragojević after he was left out of a 1-0 friendly win over Neftçi PFK on Monday.

Reports in the Serbian media claimed that the 20-year-old midfielder was completely removed him from the Partizan squad to protect his upcoming transfer to Rangers.

A deal worth around £5million is understood to be on the table and Partizan have decided to wrap the player in cotton wool as a precaution to protect the upcoming transfer.

"That was an agreement with people from the club," manager Sasa Ilic explained afterwards amid reports that Dragojević has also been placed on a "special regime" during training. He plays as a non-contact player ("joker") so team mates cannot tackle him heavily.

Scottish Cup winner departs

Defender Alexander Jensen has left Aberdeen to join Swedish top-flight side IF Elfsborg for an undisclosed fee after being told he would not be an automatic starter at Pittodrie.

The 24-year-old Dane joined from IF Brommapojkarna in January 2025 and went on to be part of the Dons’ Scottish Cup-winning side in May last year.

Jensen, a regular starter under previous boss Jimmy Thelin, leaves with 55 appearances to his name.

“We received a good offer from Elfsborg for Alex and it’s one we all felt was right,” manager Stephen Robinson told the Aberdeen website. “Alex is a great lad who always gave his best for the club, but I was honest with him in saying that he probably wouldn’t be an automatic starter next season.

“There is already strong competition in that area of the pitch with Nicky Devlin and Dylan Lobban, while both Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons are also comfortable playing there.

“Despite that, Alex has continued to train brilliantly and conduct himself in an exemplary manner. I can’t speak highly enough of his professionalism. He leaves with a Scottish Cup winner’s medal and the thanks of everyone at Pittodrie and Cormack Park. We wish him every success back in Sweden.”

United sign Togo international

Dundee United have announced the signing of Idjessi Metsoko from Czech side Viktoria Plzen on a season-long loan deal.

The deal for the 24-year-old, which is subject to the completion of a work permit and Scottish Football Association and international clearance, includes an option to buy.

Metsoko, who progressed through the academy at French club Auxerre, made his debut for the Togo national team in March.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be able to bring Idjessi to the club and can’t wait to get to work with him,” United boss Jim Goodwin said on the club website.

“He’s a powerful, explosive forward with great feet for a striker and quick across the ground, so he possesses all the attributes we felt we needed when looking for another forward.”