Receive the latest news from Record Sport with our newsletter
We have newsletters
Get the latest news from Record Sport with our daily newsletter
We have newsletters
It’s that time of year when everything revolves around the moving window and the ins and outs across the country.
But what about the slew of big names in recent times in the business like Celtic, Rangers, Hibs, Hearts, Aberdeen and more, who have now officially entered the final six months of their contracts and are heading towards free-agent status?, the force begins to shift to the player, who can negotiate pre-contract moves elsewhere for the new campaign. But of course, that’s not the case, as we saw earlier when it seemed almost more likely that Connor Goldson would leave the Rangers with his contract almost. at the end before deciding to point to a long-term career at Ibrox.
Record Sport has put together an out-of-contract XI from a host of names from Scotland’s most sensible flying clubs who are in a position to stay or move in the coming weeks and months. There are also honorable mentions for those who narrowly missed the cut but are in their club right now and time will tell if they dedicate themselves or move on to pastures new.
Starting with the goalkeeper. This is one of the positions that boasts a number of big names heading out of contract. But the standout and arguably one of Aberdeen’s top performers is Kelle Roos. The Pittodrie faithful will want to see him tied down to fresh terms after establishing himself as the club No1. For a long time it was Joe Lewis between the sticks in the Granite City but that ended when the Dutchman arrived and it has been his gloves ever since bar an injury spell. He’s not the only big name that could be snapped up with Motherwell skipper Liam Kelly, Celtic’s Joe Hart, Scotland and Hearts veteran Craig Gordon, Hibs’ David Marshall and Rangers back-up Jon McLaughlin all in a similar contractual decision.
In defence, experienced full-back pair in the shape of Stephen O’Donnell and Lewis Stevenson are currently heading towards being free agents. Both have played many club games and if they don’t stay at Motherwell and Hibs – they could provide real experienced heads for a new side. St Johnstone’s Liam Gordon has been a mainstay in Perth this term and they will be desperate to hold him and he will no doubt have interest at his door. Craig Halkett is another who on his day can be a real asset but injuries have been his main issue in the capital with a big decision facing Hearts over his future. Others like Leon Balogun – who has become a first-team starter under Philippe Clement – and Jack Baldwin at Ross County are in the final stages of current terms at their respective clubs.
The big names are in the midfield and 3 that we have decided will NOT be left without offers. Reborn Rangers star John Lundstram has in the past expressed a preference for him to remain at Ibrox after expressing his love for the club but Celtic rival David. Turnbull has not been as transparent in the process of his idea. Brendan Rodgers may be looking for money if there is interest with a well-stocked midfield at Parkhead. The former Motherwell boy has undeniable qualities, however this start to the week is not on the table for the champions. A great artist outside of the big two was Yhan Danda from Ross County. Hearts would be excited about whichever guy turns out to be able to leave Dingwall.
Keanu Baccus has been a real addition for St Mirren and it would possibly be a wonder if he has stayed in Paisley for so long, but these are likely to be his last few months as he looks to move up the football ladder. The ambition to play at the top and the Australian foreigner will be no other and he will not hesitate to make offers. But he also enjoyed his time with the Buddies, so he will never be absent from football. Hearts’ Alan Forrest and Livingston’s Bruce Anderson There are two others whose futures are yet to be determined. Among the Lions, Joël Nouble, who can be a real handful in his time, is also in the same category.
Here are some of the big names to be found in the final six months of their existing contracts, and many more at Scotland’s top 12 clubs: Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe, Beni Baningime, Peter Haring, Paul Hanlon, Marley. Watkins, Joe Wright, Alex Gogic, Scott Tanser, Blair Spittal, Callum Slattery, Graham Carey, Jordan White, Connor Randall, Cristian Montano, Mikey Devlin.