12 Scottish Premiership crackers you can sign for nada in January as free agent frenzy tees up transfer top trumps
The Scottish Premiership season is now in full swing - but managers up and down the division will already have one eye on the January transfer window.
Rangers boss Philippe Clement has been keen to stress the financial gulf between the Ibrox club and city rivals Celtic but will be very keen to bolster his options all over the pitch at the next available opportunity. Aberdeen have made a lightning fast start by keeping pace with champions Celtic at the top of the table and manager Jimmy Thelin will also see the January window as a great chance to ensure his first year in charge at Pittodrie ends with resounding success.
At the other end of the table, struggling duo Hearts and St Johnstone could be in need of some reinforcements, while rookie Hibs boss David Gray still has work to do on the transfer front to get the capital side back into contention for European qualification. But for all 12 Premiership managers, the January window is also notorious for it's free agent market, with clubs allowed to sign players whose current deals expire next summer on pre-contract agreements that will see them move on next summer for absolutely nothing.
Record Sport has taken a look at 12 top-flight stars who could be available on a free transfer next summer and that managers will be desperately trying to tie down in the coming months with clubs both in and outside of Scotland bound to show an interest.
Greg Taylor
At one time Greg Taylor was seen as a bit-part player at Celtic, but the defender is now firmly established as the club's first choice left back. Taylor's consistent displays have endeared him to Hoops die-hards and have also seen him become a regular fixture in Steve Clarke's Scotland squad, where he has won 14 caps to date.
While some Celtic fans will feel that they can upgrade on the former Kilmarnock youngster, it makes complete sense to renew his contract and provide stellar competition to any potential new faces. At the age of 26, Taylor's best years are arguably still ahead of him and clubs south of the border could see the full back as an ideal swoop in January if Celtic don't move to retain his services.
Tom Lawrence
Attacking midfielder Tom Lawrence has often divided Rangers fans, but the Wales international has already shown glimpses of just how important he can be to Philippe Clement going forward. The 30-year-old curled home a superb winner in the recent 1-0 win against Hibs and what turned out to be a consolation goal in the 4-1 hammering by Lyon at Ibrox in the Europa League.
A big summer of upheaval in Govan prior to the start of the season saw several big names such as John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Kemar Roofe leave the club at the end of their contracts. It remains to be seen if Lawrence will remain in Glasgow beyond his existing deal as Clement continues to overhaul his squad.
Lyall Cameron
Dundee star Lyall Cameron is likely to be one of the most sought-after players in the Premiership in January. The 21-year-old's transition from youth to first team level has been seamless and he has caught the eye with some outstanding displays for Tony Docherty's team.
The attacking midfielder has already been tipped by some figures in the media to follow in Luke McCowan's footsteps by joining Celtic and is also sure to attract interest from England. Dundee may find it difficult to convince Cameron to put pen to paper on a new deal but will be entitled to a development compensation fee if the Scotland U-21 international moves onto another club at the expiration of his contract.
Jamie McGrath
Republic of Ireland star Jamie McGrath was a shining light in an otherwise dismal season for Aberdeen last year, finishing the campaign with 11 goals. And the versatile midfielder has been a key man under new Pittodrie boss Jimmy Thelin to help the Reds come out flying this season with 13 consecutive victories in all competitions.
Dons fans will be desperate to see the 28-year-old tied down on a new deal, with interest from clubs south of the border bound to come in January. McGrath previously had a crack in the English leagues in a failed stint at Wigan Athletic in the 2022/23 campaign but will perhaps feel his success in the Granite City warrants another shot outside of Scotland if he opts to move on next summer.
Lawrence Shankland
The future of Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland dominated the back pages last summer, with the striker linked with a big move elsewhere after a superb season in 2023/24 saw him net 31 goals and scoop up the SFWA Footballer of the Year. But like the rest of his Jambos teammates, Shankland has not been able to build on their third-place finish, and with his side currently sitting rock bottom of the table, has scored just once in the first eight league matches.
His stock may have fallen slightly, but the Scotland international does not turn 30 until next August and could still do a job for teams around Europe. Tynecastle chiefs will however still hold out hope that they can help their talisman rediscover his touch in front of goal and perhaps convince him that his future is best served remaining in Gorgie.
James Forrest
Celtic stalwart James Forrest has enjoyed something of a rebirth in the calendar year of 2024, and played a pivotal role as Brendan Rodgers' men surged to the league title in the closing months of last season. The 33-year-old - who is only the third player in the club's history to register over 100 goals and assists in green and white - has continued to feature regularly this season and will be keen to finish his career with his boyhood club.
The winger's wage demands would be difficult for potential suitors in Scotland to match, and unless Forrest opts to move abroad for a massive payday, it is not inconceivable that he is handed a new deal at Parkhead where his experience remains essential.
Martin Boyle
Hibs fans rejoiced when Australia international Martin Boyle returned to Easter Road for a second spell with the club in the summer of 2022 after a stint in the Middle East with Al Faisaly. And while he hasn't quite been able to hit the heights from his previous spell in the capital, Boyle remains a firm favourite with supporters,
The 31-year-old still has pace in abundance but his experience is also crucial to Hibs young squad under rookie boss Gray. Club captain Joe Newell and fellow first team regulars Chris Cadden, Josh Campbell and Jordan Obita are also into the final eight months of their contracts, and Hibs will be very keen to tie the trio down beyond the summer as they continue their quest to establish themselves in the upper echelons of the Premiership once more.
Jack MacKenzie
Aberdeen full back Jack MacKenzie is among the most improved players in the top-flight over the last 12 months. After a testing start at the beginning of his Dons career, the left-back has quickly won over those in the north-east who doubted his potential and has taken his game to a new level under Swede Thelin.
The Cormack Park youth graduate's progress has been rewarded with a first call-up to the Scotland squad, despite never having represented his country at youth level. Forward Duk is another player who could potentially be available on a free transfer next season, but there is hope in the Granite City that the former Benfica B man can make amends for going AWOL in a bid to force a move elsewhere last summer by committing his future at Pittodrie.
Danny Armstrong
Kilmarnock's Danny Armstrong enjoyed a fine season in 2023/24 to help Derek McInnes' men secure European football with a fourth-place finish in the Premiership. The wide man chipped in with an impressive six goals and 10 assists in 33 league matches and his pace and trickery on the ball was a nightmare for opposition defences to contend with.
The lure of making a step up elsewhere could prove difficult for Armstrong to turn down, and Killie may look to try and sell the 27-year-old for a fee on a permanent transfer in January to avoid losing him for nada a few months later.
Toyosi Olusanya
Striker Toyosi Olusanya also caught the eye with some excellent displays for St Mirren last season. And the former Wimbledon and Middlesbrough man has been one of the top performers in the early part of the current campaign, scoring six goals in 13 matches for the Buddies.
The speedy forward is an essential part of Stephen Robinson's side in Paisley and the Irishman is likely to push for the Englishman to extend his stay with the club, having had a taste of European football in the Conference League qualifiers earlier this season.
Eamon Brophy
Having made his top-flight debut for Hamilton Accies way back in the 2014/15 season, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Ross County frontman Eamon Brophy is coming towards the end of his career. But at the age of 28, Brophy still has plenty to offer in the Premiership, even if the goals have somewhat dried up in recent seasons.
The one-time Scotland cap remains a tricky customer for opposition back lines with his work-rate, movement and experience and shouldn't have any trouble finding another club if he does indeed move on from the Dingwall club when his contract runs out.
Glenn Middleton
Dundee United winger Glen Middleton was a key cog in the Arabs team that sealed their return to the Premiership last season by lifting the Championship title.
And while the winger has found minutes hard to come by under Jim Goodwin in recent weeks, the ex-Rangers kid does finally appear to have found a home in Tayside after underwhelming loan spells with the likes of Norwich, Hibs and St Johnstone. Age is on his side at 24, and there is still plenty room for improvement for Middleton, whether he remains at Tannadice or not.
Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football.