Welcome to Brig’s top five biggest Scottish transfers, where we bring you what we think have been the best bits of business done by Premiership teams this January.
The window started rather inconspicuously, but quickly began to heat up as the February 1 deadline approached. Drama erupted on deadline day as Aberdeen replaced their entire forward line, Hibs turned down a seven-figure fee for their front man and both Rangers and Celtic added reinforcements for the second half of the season.
As the dust settled, we settled on our top five picks for late additions to Premiership teams who are bound to make a splash this winter:
Eamonn Brophy – Former Killie centre-forward Eamonn Brophy has been snapped up by fellow Premiership side St. Mirren.
Brophy was originally set for a pre-arranged summer move, but the two clubs agreed to fast-track a temporary loan deal to his new club to assist with the Buddies’ top-six push.
During his time at Rugby Park he established himself as one of the key players in Steve Clarke’s revered side, providing link up play at the top end of the park as well as chipping in with crucial goals. His contributions even earned the ex-Hamilton man a Scotland cap in a 1-0 win against Cyprus.
However, alleged friction between Brophy and manager Alex Dyer led him to pursue a new challenge with the Paisley side.
Liam Kelly – Ex-Livingston goalkeeper Liam Kelly has joined Motherwell in a deal from Queen’s Park Rangers.
Another Scotland international, Kelly joined QPR after a successful stint at Livingston which saw his side promoted from the Championship, and helped them make a good account of themselves in the top-flight as they achieved a 5th place finish.
Kelly will be looking to fill the boots of Trevor Carson, who suffered a serious injury which will see him side-lined until the end of the season.
Fraser Hornby – Aberdeen added striker Fraser Hornby to their ranks on deadline day in a signing frenzy which saw them replace almost their entire forward line.
The ex-Everton youth player is the all-time leading goal scorer for the Scottish under-21 side and is looking to add to his tally in the senior game by joining Derek McInnes’ side.
The twenty-one-year-old was playing his football over in France for Ligue 1 side Stade Reims; however, he only made three appearances this season, so has signed with the Dons in order to fulfil his wish for more playing time. He will have to share playing time with fellow new boys Florian Kamberi and Callum Hendry, who were also signed on the last day of the window.
Jonjoe Kenny – Celtic confirmed the signing of right-back Jonjoe Kenny on loan in the wake of Olivier Ntcham’s departure from Celtic Park on deadline day.
The Everton man was at the top of Celtic’s wish list after they were left short of options when Jeremie Frimpong left the club.
Kenny was loaned to German side Shalke 04 last season, making a good account of himself in the process as he made thirty-four appearances in total – but he still wasn’t in the frame at Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton, so he has joined The Hoops instead.
Experience at Bundesliga level should ensure a decent signing for the Parkhead side.
Jack Simpson – Highly rated young Bournemouth centre-back Jack Simpson has joined Rangers on a long-term contract on deadline day.
The defender, who made four appearances in the English Premier League for the cherries, will be able to immediately provide reinforcements at the back for the Gers – who also loaned George Edmundson to Derby on deadline day.
High-flying Rangers will be happy to finally capture their man, who carries the pedigree of Premier League minutes despite his former club being relegated.
Agree? Disagree? Or have we missed someone important? Let us know in the comments on our social channels.
Second year student at University of Stirling studying Sport and Journalism.
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