Scottish football thrown into chaos as Premier League deadline shake-up leads to transfer window confusion

As the Premier League prepares to close its transfer window at 7pm this year, clubs across Scotland are bracing for a frantic final stretch in the SPFL transfer market. With less than a week remaining, managers and recruitment teams face mounting pressure to finalize their squads before the window slams shut.

This period is always filled with intense activity, and this year is proving no different. Rangers have already welcomed ten new faces to their roster, with the possibility of further deals before the deadline. Celtic are on track to complete signings for Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Marcelo Saracchi, bolstering their options ahead of a demanding season.

Aberdeen have not been idle either; nine new players have joined Jimmy Thelin’s squad as the club seeks to build on last season’s Scottish Cup triumph. Meanwhile, Derek McInnes has left his mark at Hearts, signaling a new direction for the club.

Hibernian’s recruitment drive has also attracted attention, with Josh Mulligan emerging as a standout addition. However, the club is reportedly still active in the market and could make more signings before business concludes.

Confusion has arisen among fans and officials regarding the exact closing time of the transfer window in Scotland. This uncertainty is partly due to the Premier League’s earlier deadline, but SPFL clubs have been assured they have more time to complete their business.

Record Sport has confirmed that, despite changes in England, the SPFL transfer window will close at 11pm on September 1. This gives Scottish clubs a crucial four-hour advantage over their English counterparts to register new arrivals.

Transfer activity does not come to a complete halt after the deadline. As in previous years, clubs are permitted to sign free agents outside the window, offering flexibility for those who miss out on last-minute deals. Additionally, lower league Scottish clubs benefit from an extended period to arrange loan moves throughout September, providing further opportunities to strengthen their squads.