While fans are fixated on their club’s January business, some transfers involving Scottish talents may have gone unnoticed.
In fact, three regulars of Steve Clarke’s squad upped sticks for new pastures – including Stuart Armstrong, who cut short his brief stint in the MLS. How that impacts their international aspirations remains to be seen. But there were also a few other Scots who aren’t exactly considered household names who pursued fresh challenges elsewhere – including a journeyman striker who joined the 13th club of his career. And no, we’re not talking about Tony Watt!
So, now the winter window has slammed shut, Record Sport has decided to take a look at the seven transfers that might have slipped under the radar.
Stuart Armstrong – Sheffield Wednesday
The Celtic Invincible made a shock return to English football after just four months with MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps. Armstrong, 32, linked up with ex-Dundee United pal Ryan Gauld in Canada after six seasons with Southampton. But the Scotland star decided to cut short his time in Canada to seal a January switch to Sheffield Wednesday.
He said: “I’m very pleased, very grateful for the opportunity. I loved my time away in Canada, really enjoyed myself with an amazing group of people, but I missed the English game a bit and the opportunity came up with Sheffield Wednesday so I had to do a lot of thinking. I decided to come back, and I’m looking forward to the end of the season.”
Ryan Porteous – Preston (loan)
Despite featuring regularly for Watford, Porteous made the surprise switch to Championship rivals Preston North End on loan until the end of the season. Blackburn Rovers and Hull City were also keen on the Scotland stopper, but Porteous jumped at the chance to be reunited with former Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom.
He said: “I’m delighted. It’s all come about quite fast. When the manager spoke to me, having worked with him before at Hibs, I was pretty sure that I was going to come here. I’m looking forward to it. I think at the age I am now, I need a consistent run of games and a healthy environment. I feel that Preston can provide that right now.”
Grant Hanley – Birmingham
Experienced Hanley pulled the curtain on his seven-and-a-half successful years at Norwich City to join ambitious League One leaders Birmingham. The stopper, 33, lifted two EFL Championship titles at Carrow Road and was appointed club captain in 2018. But the Scotland veteran decided to move on after falling out of the picture under new boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.
After being paraded by the Blues he said: “I am delighted to be here. I knew January was going to be a chance for me to move somewhere and get more minutes on the pitch. As soon as I heard Birmingham were interested, and I spoke to the manager, I was delighted to then get it done. Chris Davies explained where this club is trying to go, so it was a no-brainer for me to want to be part of a club like this.”
Lee Erwin – KF Gostivar
Journeyman striker Erwin joined the 13th club of his career by signing a deal with KF Gostivar. The ex-Motherwell, Kilmarnock, St Mirren and Ross County frontman’s playing path has taken an unusual route, spending the last few years in Finland, Lebanon and Iran. Now, the prolific 30-year-old – who has plundered 52 goals across the last four seasons – will try his luck in North Macedonia.
Adedire Mebude – Hamburg (loan)
Talented attacker Mebude came through the ranks at Rangers before rejecting a contract offer at 16 to join Manchester City. Yet despite attracting interest from Spurs and PSV, the Scotland Under-21 starlet joined Belgian club KVC Westerlo for around £1.65m in 2023. Renowned for his goalscoring ability, the 20-year-old spent a brief stint on loan at Bristol City last season. Now, he’ll gain even more experience in Germany after joining Hamburger SV until the end of the season.
Joe Bevan – Carlisle United (loan)
From the East of Scotland League to the dazzling heights of the English Premier League – it’s been a whirlwind journey for Bevan. The young striker joined Albion Rovers in January 2023 and, just 12 months later, completed a stunning move to Burnley. The 20-year-old has yet to make his senior debut for the Clarets but has caught the eye for the Under-21s – earning him a switch to League Two.
Head Coach, Mike Williamson said: “We’re really glad to get Joe in. He’s got pace and power and he’s a really exciting player. He’s versatile, and he’s hungry to do well, so he will be a welcome addition for us. He is ready to be involved and we are looking forward to seeing him play for us.”
Kal Naismith – Luton Town (loan)
Cult hero Naismith returned to the Hatters on a loan deal from Bristol City. Now 32, the former Rangers starlet left the Town at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, in which he was named player of the season. But after a few years at Ashton Gate, the left-sided defender – who was linked with Aberdeen – has decided to move back to familiar territory.
He said: “I’m delighted and excited to be back and grateful to get this opportunity. It’s not often people get second chances, but I’m back to try and have a positive impact on the team between now and the end of the season.”