Celtic have been linked with a move for free agent midfielder Yves Bissouma as the Scottish transfer window enters its final week. The story was first reported by The Scotsman, which also covered stalled business at Rangers and a rejected bid saga involving Dundee United and Falkirk.
Martin O'Neill's side sit top of the Premiership with a perfect record after two games, scoring six goals and conceding just one. Their next match is at home against Falkirk on Saturday, a fixture you can view on our fixtures page. With the window closing soon, Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, and Hibs are all striving to finalise deals.
What is the latest on Celtic's midfield search?
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is keen to add strength to his midfield options. This need has been highlighted by the recent sale of Arne Engels to West Ham and the ongoing speculation that Reo Hatate could depart before the deadline. According to The Scotsman, one potential solution is Yves Bissouma. The 29-year-old Mali international is a free agent after leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer. He previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion. Reports suggest Bissouma is also on the shortlists of Ajax and Istanbul Basaksehir, meaning Celtic could face competition for his signature.
What is happening with Rangers' transfer business?
Across the city, Rangers' situation with midfielder Nicolas Raskin is unresolved. Manager Derek McInnes confirmed this week that there have been no concrete bids for the Belgian player. Raskin was absent from the squad for Rangers' penalty shootout defeat to Czech side Jablonec in the Conference League on Thursday. In more positive news, Rangers have completed the signing of 20-year-old South Korean winger Kim Min-su from Girona. The transfer fee is widely reported to be around £8.5 million, and he has signed a four-year deal with an option for a further year. Kim spent last season on loan at FC Andorra, making 40 appearances and scoring six goals. He could make his debut against Aberdeen on Sunday. "I’m so happy to sign for Rangers," Kim Min-su said. "I know it’s a big club with great, great fans. I want to help the team to be better every day."
Why were Dundee United's bids called 'embarrassing'?
Further down the leagues, a transfer dispute has erupted between Dundee United and Falkirk. Falkirk manager John McGlynn has publicly criticised Dundee United after they had three bids for midfielder Brad Spencer rejected. The 30-year-old is under contract with Falkirk for at least another couple of years. McGlynn did not hold back in his assessment of the offers. "I don’t think it would matter if Dundee United came back, they are miles off, embarrassing," McGlynn said. "I know the guy who wrote them and he must have been embarrassed when he was writing these offers." This stalemate highlights the challenges clubs face in the final days of the window.
What does this mean for the final week of the window?
The coming days are critical for all clubs involved. For Celtic, the focus is on whether they can secure a proven midfielder like Bissouma to bolster a squad already leading the standings. Their strong start, with six points from two wins, provides a solid platform, but O'Neill will want depth for the campaign ahead. Rangers will aim to resolve the Raskin situation while integrating their new signing. The pressure is on as the deadline looms, and you can track all squad movements on our dedicated squad page. The final week promises more drama as teams make their last moves.
