NafisaWith the Scottish Premiership transfer window set to reopen in only a few days, summer transfer speculation, reports and confirmed deals are gathering pace as clubs around the country continue to strengthen their squads with much-needed additions.
In your Tuesday morning transfer roundup, we’ve got the latest transfer updates involving Celtic, Rangers, the Scotland national team and beyond:
Scotland record breaker secures mega move
Scottish forward Fraser Hornby has been snapped up by Bundesliga heavyweights Wolfsburg in a reported £3.75million transfer following his prolific season with Darmstadt.
The 26-year-old striker, who remains Scotland’s all-time leading scorer at Under-21 level with 10 goals, enjoyed the most productive campaign of his career with Die Lilien last season, scoring 13 goals and providing eight assists as they finished fifth in Germany’s second division.
Hornby, who started his career in Everton’s academy, spent loan spells with Aberdeen, Oostende and Kortrijk before moving to Germany in 2023, said:
“When I was here in Wolfsburg a few weeks ago and spoke with many people at the club, I immediately had a good feeling. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to move here and that this is the next step in my career. I’m really looking forward to the challenge and what I can achieve here. I’m very proud to be here.”
Falkirk land experienced defender
Falkirk have completed their third signing of the summer after recruiting St Mirren full-back Scott Tanser on a two-year contract following his departure from the SMiSA Stadium. The Paisley club confirmed that the defender was among five players leaving this summer, with Dan Nlundulu, Luke Kenny, Oisin Smyth and James Scott also moving on following the expiration of their deals.
Tanser, 31, who spent the last five years with St Mirren, has quickly been brought in by Falkirk manager John McGlynn, who believes the former St Johnstone defender’s top-flight experience will be hugely valuable next season.
“He’s an attacking left-back who loves to get forward,” said McGlynn.
“He has good quality in the final third to deliver good crosses for our attacking players in the box. He has a good delivery from set-pieces, as he displayed in our last game against St Mirren at the Falkirk Stadium, when the Saints scored from a corner. He is more than capable of moving into a left centre-back position if required, so he is a definite advantage to us.”
Celtic move ‘an exciting option’
Celtic have been labelled an ‘exciting option’ for Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, who is believed to be available for transfer this summer following a disappointing loan spell at AS Roma. The young striker burst onto the scene as a teenager, scoring 10 goals during Brighton’s 2022/23 season, but injuries and inconsistent form have hindered his progress since, with the Seagulls reportedly prepared to move on.
A lifelong Celtic supporter, Ferguson has been encouraged to consider a switch to Celtic Park, with former Republic of Ireland international Shane Long suggesting it could be the perfect environment to rebuild his confidence.
“Celtic could be an exciting option for Evan Ferguson,” Long told BoyleSports, who offer the latest football odds.
“Three years ago he was the young player of the year at Brighton and clubs like Manchester United were looking at him. Celtic is a massive club, it’s not somewhere you can go just to try and find your feet, you need to go in there and score. Any striker there is going to get loads of chances. So it could build his confidence back.
“I know injuries played a part, but he went to Roma and it hasn’t really happened, I think he only scored four or five goals this season and hasn’t hit the ground running. He was only on loan and is back at Brighton now. He needs to come back flying in pre-season. He needs to train hard all summer to make an impression straight away and have that commitment in himself. It’s a shame because he has a lot of quality, it’s just a matter of confidence at the moment.”
Rangers exit ‘not ruled out’:
Rangers striker Bojan Miovski admits he could be forced to leave Ibrox this summer if he does not become a more regular starter next season. The North Macedonia international was a major signing for former manager Russell Martin last year but found opportunities limited after falling behind Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi in the pecking order.
The 26-year-old now faces even more competition following the arrival of Scotland international Lawrence Shankland and has discussed his future ahead of the transfer window reopening.
“I’m pleased with my goalscoring output considering my playing time,” he told FlashScore.
“I believe that I lacked continuity and a run of matches in the starting line-up to find better rhythm and score more goals. I spent more time on the bench than on the pitch during the second half of the season, but I think that 13 goals overall is still a decent return. Of course, every player would like to play more and be in the starting line-up rather than on the bench, and that was the main idea upon me joining the club.
“I’ve been underestimated throughout my career, with people saying during my early days that I’m not good enough or that I don’t contribute enough, and for a young player, that’s harsh to hear. I know that there were more talented players than me that didn’t make it, as not everyone has the mental strength to go through that. I’m ambitious and hungry for success, a person who likes to get out of the comfort zone. You can’t rule out anything [regarding my future], but I’ve got a three-year contract with Rangers and would definitely like to feature more prominently next season rather than sit on the bench.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest Rangers are investigating a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson this summer. The Black Cats shot-stopper is believed to be available for around £8million after slipping behind both Robin Roefs and Melker Ellborg in the pecking order at the Stadium of Light.
The Glasgow giants have reportedly been joined by Wolverhampton Wanderers, Millwall and Wrexham in tracking the goalkeeper, although one report suggests the asking price could prove to be “prohibitive”.
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