The transfer window is only nine days old.
The January market in particular is notoriously a difficult one for managers and recruitment chiefs to shop in.
However, every club across the land has their priorities in mind, with just a little over three weeks remaining until the opportunity to trade players is over.
Of course, every fan wants to see their club bring in as any quality players as they possibly can. Very rarely is any supporter’s mind on who will be leaving.
From a players’ perspective, though, whether they are seeking bigger and better things, a fresh start or simply just a new challenge, this month provides the chance of an early get-out mid-way through the campaign.
Herald & Times Sport have analysed 12-players, one from each club, across the Premiership who are on the shop window for one reason or another this January.
Aberdeen – Connor Barron
It may seem unlikely that the 20-year-old would be allowed to leave Pittodrie after initially impressing so much under Jim Goodwin after his arrival. However, with new midfield additions in the shape of Graeme Shinnie and Patrik Myslovic signed, his game time could be far more limited in the second part of the season. A loan move to a lower-level Premiership side, or top end Championship side could bring Barron on leaps and bounds.
Celtic – Giorgos Giakoumakis
The Greek hitman is said to have grown unhappy with a variety of things in Glasgow, namely, the weather. It emerged in November that the 28-year-old wanted improved terms after a stunning first season in Scotland with the champions. Celtic are believed to be unwilling to match the figures Giakoumakis wants. Speculation continues to rumble on that a move to Japan or elsewhere in Europe remains on the cards. His game time has been limited since the stories came to light. It would not be a surprise to see him leave before the end of the window.
Dundee United – Tony Watt
Just one-year on from joining at Tannadice, Salford City are believed to be interested in offering the striker a route out of United. There’s no real suggestions that he’s keen to leave, but should the right money be on offer then a deal could be struck between the clubs.
Hearts – Alex Cochrane
After an impressive loan, the defender permanently signed for the Jambos last summer. He’s been a mainstay again for Robbie Neilson. Recent reports have suggested that Hellas Verona and Bologna are interested in the Scottish-based player, while Southampton could also turn to the 22-year-old to help bolster their defensive options. It would take a decent bid for Hearts to sell.
Hibs – Ryan Porteous
The Scotland international has already announced his intention to leave Easter Road at the end of this season when his contract expires. Clubs in Germany and Italy are believed to be keen on the powerful centre-back, with Championship sides also interested. Lee Johnson could be tempted to sell Porteous early this month to gain some cash to help with signings in other areas, or even a replacement.
Kilmarnock – Brad Lyons
There are a number of players in the Killie squad who will likely move on to pastures new this month. The main reason for this is that Derek McInnes has a huge squad, but is also looking to bring in more better players behind deadline day. That obviously results in departures. One who has been strongly linked with the exit door is Lyons.
Coleraine are reportedly interested in taking the midfielder back over to Northern Ireland just two-years after he left to return to Scottish football. With a distinct lack of first team action for Lyons at Rugby Park, this would be a good move for all parties.
Livingston – Bruce Anderson
He’s been like a new signing for the Lions since his return from injury in early November. On his latest outing, the ex-Dons attacker hit a brace to seal three-points against County. Again, David Martindale will be desperate to keep hold of his best players. But should a club down south be looking for a striker, they could do a lot worse than to make an offer for the impressive Anderson.
Motherwell – Stephen O’Donnell
When the right-back joined Motherwell in 2020, it was considered a real coup for the Fir Park outfit. He was a full Scotland international and had proven what he is capable of domestically with a string of impressive performances for Killie under Steve Clarke in the years prior to his move. He was eventually made captain. However, after a fall out with Graham Alexander, this was stripped of the defender. He has returned to the fold somewhat under Steven Hammell, however, Paul McGinn very much appears to be the favoured right-back option for the Steelmen. With his contract up at the end of the season, he could leave early or agree a pre-contract.
Rangers – Ryan Kent
Out of contract in the summer and with no sign of signing a new deal, the Englishman is the very definition of a player who’s on the shop window in the January market. He’ll have suitors no matter what after an impressive few years at Ibrox, but should his form improve at the right time, he could have some lucrative pre-contract options. If it becomes clear he won’t renew his current deal, Rangers could look to earn some money for him.
Ross County – Jake Eastwood
The goalkeeper, on loan from Sheffield United, has only two League Cup appearances to his name since joining Malky Mackay’s side in the summer. He’s very much the understudy to Ross Laidlaw. While every club needs a steady No.2, with Eastwood getting such a distinct lack of gametime, United may look to recall him and decide upon another loan which could provide greater playing time opportunities to benefit his development.
St Johnstone – Chris Kane
The striker, 28, has been out of action since the early stages of last year. He was ruled out for the season last term in March and had to undergo knee surgery. Just a few weeks ago was he given the all-clear to start his return to first team action for Callum Davidson’s side. However, while he’s been a reliable option for Saints through the years, during his absence, Stevie May, Jamie Murphy, Graham Carey and Nicky Clark have stepped up to the plate in the attacking third. Theo Bair has provided competition for places too, alongside Connor McLennan and Michael O’Halloran. Kane might not leave permanently, but perhaps a loan for regular minutes could be on the cards.
St Mirren – Keanu Baccus
The midfielder was deservedly part of Australia’s World Cup squad. He’s been an astute signing by the Buddies. It shows the difference that smart recruitment can make for clubs in Scotland, with the margins so tight between them. St Mirren will not be looking to sell him, if they can avoid it. That said, if a big offer was to arrive on the desk of Stephen Robinson, the Paisley side could be tempted to cash in and then reinvest some of the money. That’s the sign of any good recruitment model.
