Rangers submit bid for ex-Serie A man, Celtic dealt blow, former Hibs starlet returns - Scottish transfer news
Here is all the latest Scottish transfer news - including reports from Rangers, Celtic, Dundee United, Falkirk and beyond.
The Scottish Premiership transfer window will reopen in just over a week, and the summer transfer reports, rumours and confirmed transfer deals are fully underway as clubs across the country build their squads ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
In Wednesday morning’s transfer bulletin, we’ve got the latest transfer reports from Celtic, Rangers, Dundee United and beyond:
Former Hibs starlet returns to Scotland
Falkirk have completed the signing of Brentford youngster Ethan Laidlaw for an undisclosed fee as they continue to add to their squad for next season. The 21-year-old has penned a two-year deal with John McGlynn’s side, with an option to extend that for a further year. A former Scotland Under-17 international, the young striker began his career with Hibs, where he appeared for the club’s development squad on the Under-19s UEFA Youth League for the first time in the club’s history before departing for West London.
“Ethan is someone who is well known to both myself and Paul,” said Falkirk boss McGlynn. “His dad, Stevie, played under Paul at Berwick and was a very good striker. Ethan came through the youth system at Hibernian before joining Brentford two years ago. For much of his time there, he featured as a striker for Brentford B, although this season he has also played out wide as well as through the middle. He has had a very promising season. His direct running, power and strength, combined with his ability to get into the right positions and score goals, are qualities that really attracted us to him.”
Dundee United discuss deal
Dundee United have begun discussions with Bence Babos over a deal to bring the Hungarian attacker to Tannadice this summer. According to the Courier, the 22-year-old is a long-term target for head coach Jim Goodwin, and the Irish boss is keen to secure a deal for the Videoton Fehervar player.
While the Tangerines have not submitted a formal transfer offer, they have approached Babos’ club with a view to completing a deal, although they face competition from Zalaegerszeg and several other unnamed clubs on the continent. The Hungary Under-21 international spent last season on loan to Diosgyori VTK, where he scored six times and assisted another, despite the club suffering relegation from the top flight. Should the club manage to secure the signing of the young winger, he would become their fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Jesse Randall, Lachie Rose, Joshua Rawlins, Jack Walton and Dylan Tait.
Celtic dealt defender blow
Celtic’s hopes of bringing Boca Juniors defender Marcelo Saracchi back to Parkhead on a permanent deal have been dealt a blow after reports in Turkiye claimed Corum FK are ready to launch a summer transfer offer for the 28-year-old. Signed on a season-long loan last summer, the Uruguayan left-back proved to be a popular addition, with Celtic manager Martin O’Neill admitting that he felt the club should pursue a permanent deal for the player. However, it is reported that newly promoted Turkish outfit Corum FK are ready to smash their transfer record in order to secure his signature, with Saracchi viewed as a ‘primary target’ at the Corum Sehir Stadyumu.
Meanwhile, Celtic have been told to brace themselves for interest in right-back Alistair Johnston this summer, with former Scotland international Jackie McNamara believing he will catch the eye with Canada at this summer’s World Cup.
“I think they'll be hoping that he is one who stays,” said McNamara. “But anybody - even if it’s someone like Benjamin Nygren after all the goals he scored this season - if they have a good World Cup they will be linked with moves. That’s never going to change. If they're doing well, if their numbers are good such as Arne Engels or Daizen Maeda, you will have teams interested. And it might be the same with AJ [Johnston].”
Rangers approach ex-Serie A man
Rangers boss Danny Rohl is ready to raid the Belgian Pro League side Westerlo for the second transfer window in succession in order to replace outgoing captain James Tavernier, according to reports on the continent. The German boss struck up a deal with De Kemphanen to sign left-back Tuur Rommens for a fee of £3.5million in January, and Rohl is now targeting a deal for his former teammate Bryan Reynolds as he looks to bolster his defensive options.
According to Belgian transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the Glasgow giants have already had a bid of around £2.2million rejected. Beginning his career with North Dallas, the United States international spent two seasons with AS Roma in Serie A before moving to Westerlo four years ago. With his contract expiring next summer, reports claim that Reynolds would be open to a transfer, but not at the price the club have currently offered.
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