Scottish transfer news: Kasper Schmeichel joins Celtic, Rangers sign Igamane
With the Scottish Premiership 2024/25 season just around the corner, squads from across the league are now beginning to take shape.
Deep into the summer transfer window, several major transfers have already taken place.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy takes a look at some of the key transfers ahead of the season, as well as highlighting some of the key players still touted for a move to the Scottish Premiership.
Kasper Schmeichel - Celtic
Celtic have made all the headlines this summer, as the reigning champions have completed a monumental deal with Kasper Schmeichel to replace the recently-retired Joe Hart.
Schmeichel was signed on a free transfer after leaving Belgian side Anderlecht at the end of last season.
The Danish legend has achieved over 100 caps for his national side. Best known for his 11-year stint at Leicester City, the 37-year-old was part of the club's historic 2016 Premier League winning squad under Claudio Ranieri.
Schmeichel appears excited to kick off the new season at Celtic Park, saying: “Celtic is one of the world’s proper football clubs, a massive name and a place of real passion and success.
“Celtic is what football is all about.”
Schmeichel will likely fit nicely into the squad, having previously shared the dressing room with current manager Brendan Rodgers whilst the pair were both at Leicester City.
Hamza Igamane - Rangers
Rangers, looking to continue their rebuild, have signed young striker Hamza Igamane from AS FAR Rabat for a fee of £1.9million.
The Moroccan prospect scored 16 goals in 58 appearances for his former club - and Rangers boss Philippe Clement hopes the striker will “bring a fresh presence to our attacking options”.
Igamane’s versatility could prove vital for Clement's side this season, as he is comfortable playing across the entire front line.
His attacking prowess was on show last season, with Igamane leading the line in a historic season for FAR Rabat, who scored a historic 65 goals in 30 games in the Moroccan League.
Mohammed Diomande - Rangers
Mohammed Diomande’s move to Ibrox may seem like old news, with the deal to bring in the midfielder completed in January.
However, the fans favourite has now made the move official, finishing his loan spell to the club with a permanent deal in the region of £4million now confirmed.
While Diomande’s form faltered towards the end of last season, the youngster’s ability to dominate the midfield has won over the hearts of the supporters.
His stellar performances for his new club saw him receive call-ups for both the Ghana and Ivory Coast National teams. The midfielder opted to make his debut for the latter, having represented them at the Under-23 level.
Rangers have had a monumental transfer window, already signing seven players.
Clement seems keen to build a squad for the future, with many young talents making a move to Glasgow in a bid to put an end to Celtic's recent Scottish Premiership dominance.
Sivert Heltne Nilsen - Aberdeen
New Dons manager Jimmy Thelin has brought a familiar face to Pittodrie, signing 32-year-old Sivert Heltne Nilsen on a free transfer from SK Brann.
The Norwegian midfielder has signed a three-year contract for the Scottish side.
Thelin previously worked with the player at Swedish club Elfsborg and is hoping the former SK Brann captain will set high standards for the struggling side.
“I know he will set standards, both on and off the pitch, and his experience will help some of our emerging talent,” Thelin revealed on the club website.
“Silvert is a leader who brings with him a real will to win. “
Oisin Smyth – St Mirren
With St Mirren set for a European tour, earning qualification to the Conference League last season, they will be hoping to bolster their squad ahead of what will be a busy 2024/25 season for the Buddies.
In a bid to strengthen the squad ahead of their stint in Europe, manager Stephen Robinson has opted to sign Oxford United midfielder Oisin Smith on a free transfer.
The Northern Ireland player joins a host of his fellow countrymen in Paisley.
Robinson has used his extensive knowledge of the Northern Irish footballing scene during his tenure, signing Conor McMenamin and Caolin Boyd-Munce, two players who have both impressed for the Scottish side.
Smyth struggled for game time towards the end of last season, missing out on his former club's play-off final win over Bolton.
Rumour mill
With the transfer window still far from over, many clubs are currently speculated to be in talks, with several big players hoping to bring some spark to the Scottish top flight.
Adam Idah is hoping to make a permanent move to Celtic after enjoying a successful loan spell for the Hoops last season, with nine goals and two assists.
While the fans are pushing for a permanent deal to be made, Norwich won't let go of the player easily, demanding a fee of at least £5m for the attacker.
Lawrence Shankland is back on the Ranger's wanted list as Clement continues to strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Hearts face a tough job if they want to keep hold of their star man, with Rangers currently set to get rid of numerous players, freeing up funds to move in for the striker.
Shankland is coming off the back of a career-best season, with 24 goals in 37 appearances in the SPFL as well as wearing the blue and white of his country in Scotland's short European Championship campaign.
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