Rangers incoming boss eyes reunion, Celtic star in shock link, Hearts confirm exit - Scottish transfer news
All the latest Scottish transfer news on Wednesday morning - including reports from Rangers, Celtic, Hearts and beyond.
The Scottish Premiership transfer window re-opened early this week, and the completed deals, transfer reports and rumours are already in motion as clubs across the country look to add those required addition ahead of the new campaign.
In Wednesday morning’s transfer bulletin, we’ve got the latest transfer reports from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, the Scotland national team and beyond.
‘Fantastic’ Scotland man backed for EFL move
Scotland international Ross Stewart has been urged to consider a move to Derby County this summer after opting to leave Southampton upon the expiry of his contract last week. Currently in the United States with the Scotland squad at the World Cup, it was confirmed last week that he would become a free agent this summer after the St Mary’s outfit were unable to agree a new contract with the striker.
Stewart, 29, has been linked with a move to Rangers previously. However, he has been urged to consider a switch to Derby County instead this month. The Rams narrowly missed out on the playoff spots last season, and former Sunderland icon Kevin Phillips believes Stewart could be the man to help fire them back to the English Premier League if they can convince him to move to Pride Park.
“I’m a little bit surprised that he’s been let go on a free,” Phillips told BestBettingSites. “I can understand maybe a little bit in terms of the injury record, but I think he proved towards the end of the season he’s kept himself right and he’s a major, major threat. So again, I think there’ll be other clubs chasing him. If Derby could secure Ross Stewart, what a great signing that would be for challenging in the Championship next year. So 100%, I think he’d be a fantastic signing.”
Hearts confirm exit
Hearts have confirmed that injury-plagued midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof will return to his native Australia after agreeing a season-long loan deal with Perth Glory. The 25-year-old midfielder moved to Tynecastle three years ago from Western Sydney Wanderers, but has endured a nightmare last couple of seasons with various hamstring issues, playing just once last season as the club made an unexpected title push. However, Nieuwenhof will be given an opportunity to resurrect his career in the A-League after penning a deal until the end of the 2026/27 campaign at HBF Park.
“I’m super excited to be joining Perth Glory,” he told the club’s official website. “I’m looking forward to getting back playing consistently and giving everything to help bring success to the club. It is a club with huge potential and I’m hoping we can challenge for the title this season. Having worked with [Head Coach] Adam Griffiths and [Assistant Coach] Tomi Vidovic before, I know the high standards they set which is a big reason I am so keen to join the club.”
Rangers incoming boss eyes reunion
In-coming Rangers manager Derek McInnes will place Hearts striker Claudio Braga at the top of his transfer wishlist this summer once his appointment at Ibrox is confirmed, according to several reports. The 54-year-old boss is expected to leave Hearts this summer after agreeing a three-year deal with the Glasgow giants, and it is understood he’s keen on a reunion with Tynecastle hero Braga, whom he signed from Aalesund last summer.
The Portuguese striker enjoyed a stunning debut season in the Scottish Premiership last season, bagging 14 goals, and was named the SWFA player of the season. Forming a lethal strike partnership with former Jambos captain Lawrence Shankland, who joined Rangers on a free transfer last month, the pair scored 30 league goals between them as Hearts finished the season in second place with 80 points, securing a spot in the Champions League qualifiers. With McInnes appointment now imminent, he wants to reunite the strike partnership in Govan.
Celtic star in shock link
Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate could be set for a surprise return to the J-League after falling down the pecking order under manager Martin O’Neill in recent months. The talented Japanese international has been a mainstay in the Hoops’ midfield since joining in January 2021 from Kawasaki Frontale, but barely featured in the club’s end-of-season run-in as they won a league and Scottish cup double under their 74-year-old boss.
Previously linked with a move to the English Premier League, Hatate could now be set for a surprise return to his homeland, after reports in Japan linked him with a move to league champions Kashima Antlers, who are managed by his former Kawasaki Frontale boss Toru Oniki. While news on Celtic outgoings has been primarily focused on English Premier League interest in Belgian midfielder Arne Engels and Hatate’s Japanese teammate and Celtic talisman Daizen Maeda, the future of the 28-year-old is one of intrigue.
One of the club’s most successful J-League imports, Hatate has played a major role over the last four-and-a-half seasons in helping the club lift five Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two Scottish League Cups, but looks set to move on to pastures new after a difficult last 12 months at Parkhead, though a return to Japan’s top flight would be a major surprise.
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