Key Points
- Scottish Premiership clubs can still sign free agents following the closure of the transfer window.
- Injuries to Kieran Tierney and Chelsea loanee Landon Emenalo have left Celtic manager Martin O’Neill short of options at left-back.
- Rangers manager Derek McInnes could target free agents to replace midfielder Thelo Aasgaard after his departure.
- Former Manchester United left-back Tyrell Malacia is available on a free transfer after his contract expired at Old Trafford.
- Ex-Everton midfielder Tom Davies and former Rangers winger Ryan Kent are both currently without a club.
Glasgow Sports (Glasgow Express) September 4, 2026 — As reported by Mark Pirie of Express Sport, the transfer window slammed shut on deadline day, leaving several Scottish Premiership clubs wishing they could have conducted additional business before the stroke of midnight. However, the free agent market remains fully stocked with high-profile talent as recruitment departments across Scotland continue to search for squad upgrades ahead of a demanding domestic and European campaign.
Celtic and Hearts have been active in bolstering their squads for domestic responsibilities and European ventures, while Rangers have invested heavily in their squad to provide manager Derek McInnes with every opportunity to secure silverware. Nevertheless, specific positions across both Glasgow squads require urgent attention as the season gathers momentum.
At Parkhead, injuries to key players have created immediate personnel concerns. With primary left-back Kieran Tierney sidelined and new loan signing Landon Emenalo—who arrived from Chelsea—also nursing an injury, manager Martin O’Neill may be forced to look at the free agent market for defensive cover. Meanwhile, at Ibrox, Rangers may pursue additional creativity in the final third following the departure of Thelo Aasgaard.
Numerous unattached players remain available for immediate registration outside the standard transfer window. Express Sport has examined three prominent free agents currently on the market who could be under consideration by Scottish Premiership clubs.
Which Free Agents Could Fill Defensive and Midfield Gaps in Glasgow?
Tyrell Malacia
The 27-year-old Dutch left-back finds himself at a pivotal junction in his career following the conclusion of a difficult spell with Manchester United. Malacia endured an injury-ravaged four years at Old Trafford, and with his contract now expired, he is actively seeking a club to revitalise his career and earn a recall to the Netherlands national squad.
Celtic were previously linked with the defender as a potential target. With Kieran Tierney currently injured and young Chelsea loanee Landon Emenalo also out of action, the question remains whether the Hoops will take a chance on Malacia to provide competition at full-back or rely entirely on their existing defensive cover.
Tom Davies
At 28 years old, former Everton midfielder Tom Davies ended his three-year stint with Sheffield United last summer following a campaign disrupted by fitness issues. His spell at Bramall Lane was hampered by injuries, but a move north to the Scottish Premiership could offer the former England Under-21 international the ideal environment to rebuild his career and establish himself as a central midfield presence.
Ryan Kent
Former Rangers winger Ryan Kent has been without a club since departing MLS side Seattle Sounders in November 2025 and is actively seeking a new start. The 29-year-old joined Turkish side Fenerbahce in 2024 following his departure from Ibrox, but saw his contract terminated just 16 months after leaving Scotland. A return to the Scottish Premiership could provide the catalyst Kent needs to kickstart his career.
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Background of the Particular Development After the News
The ability for Scottish Premiership clubs to sign unattached players post-deadline is governed by FIFA and Scottish Football Association (SFA) registration rules. These regulations allow players who became free agents prior to the official closure of the transfer window to sign for new clubs at any point during the season.
This post-deadline market has increasingly become a critical strategic outlet for clubs in the Scottish top flight. With dense fixture schedules created by expanded European group formats and domestic cup competitions, early-season injuries can severely deplete a squad before the January transfer window opens. For both Celtic and Rangers, who face mandatory squad depth requirements across multi-front campaigns, free-agent recruitment serves as a key safety valve to address sudden squad deficiencies without waiting for mid-season transfer windows.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Scottish Premiership Clubs and Supporters
If Celtic or Rangers utilise the free agent market in the coming days, it could directly alter the title race and European group-stage campaign.
For Celtic, securing an experienced left-back such as Tyrell Malacia would immediately alleviate defensive vulnerabilities caused by injuries to Kieran Tierney and Landon Emenalo, preventing makeshift tactical adjustments during crucial domestic and European fixtures. For Rangers, adding a proven attack-minded player like Ryan Kent or a central operator like Tom Davies would provide manager Derek McInnes with vital rotation options, ensuring squad fresh performance during heavy fixture runs.
For the wider Scottish Premiership audience and supporters, swift post-deadline acquisitions would bolster overall squad quality, maintain competitive performance levels across European competitions, and ensure that early-season injury setbacks do not compromise a club’s campaign objectives.
