Scottish Premiership transfer rumours: Rangers star rejects move, Matt O’Riley could leave Celtic and more

Here are the latest Scottish Premiership transfer rumours of the day as on 24.1.2024.

Hakon Valdimarsson won’t join Celtic

Celtic were considering signing Elfsborg goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson in January. However, it appears they will not do so because Brentford are expected to sign him instead.

Aston Villa were also interested, but Brentford have taken over with a €3 million agreement, and Valdimarsson is scheduled for a physical on Wednesday.

Vinnie Besuijen could leave Aberdeen

Aberdeen’s player Vinnie Besuijen, who hasn’t played much lately, might go back to Holland. Aberdeen is talking with a Dutch team in the second division about a possible move.

The 22-year-old is waiting to see what happens in the next few days. If a deal is made, he is likely to return to the Netherlands. Besuijen hasn’t played for Aberdeen this season, and it seems like his time with the team may be ending.

Despite having a contract until 2026 with the Scottish Premiership side, he spent last season on loan in the Netherlands with Excelsior, but his time there was affected by injury. Even though he came back in good shape for Aberdeen’s pre-season, he hasn’t played under Barry Robson.

Atletico Madrid interested in Celtic star Matt O’Riley

Matt O'Riley
Celtic’s English midfielder Matt O’Riley (L) fights for the ball with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Ukranian midfielder Artem Bondarenko during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Celtic FC and Shakhtar Donetsk, at the Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow, on October 25, 2022. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Celtic got an offer for their player Matt O’Riley from Atletico Madrid. O’Riley, who’s 22 years old, has been doing really well for Celtic this season, scoring 10 goals and assisting 12 times in 29 games.

According to Sky Sports, Atletico Madrid’s offer is for a loan first, and then they must buy him. Other clubs, like Girona and Inter Milan, are also interested in O’Riley. Celtic got O’Riley for £1.5 million from MK Dons in 2022, and last year, they signed him on a new four-year deal.

Interesting to see why Celtic would ever agree to the move but this might just unsettle the player. A move to a club of Atletico Madrid’s calibre doesn’t happen often from the Scottish Premiership, and you don’t want to miss your chance when you had it.

Rangers defender Ridvan Yilmaz rejects Hellas Verona

Ridvan Yilmaz
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Ridvan Yilmaz of Rangers is seen prior to the Viaplay Cup match between Rangers and Livingston at Ibrox Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Ridvan Yilmaz said no to leaving Rangers for Hellas Verona, but he might still leave before January ends. Journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu shared on X that the Turkish left-back turned down an offer to move to Serie A.

However, talks are ongoing about a possible return to his home country with Galatasaray. So far, no definite offer has been made. Yilmaz came to Rangers from Besiktas for about £5 million in 2022. Although he’s playing regularly now, Rangers are open to selling the 22-year-old if they can find another left-back.

If you are to take a guess though, it seems quite likely that Yilmaz might just stay on at Rangers until the end of the season. If he performs like the last few weeks, then it could be a win-win proposition for all parties.

Rocco Vata wants to continue at Celtic

Rocco Vata
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 21: Stuart Knight of Buckie Thistle saves from Rocco Vata of Celtic during the the Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on January 21, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rocco Vata will ignore offers from Italian clubs in Serie A and wants to sign a new contract with Celtic. He scored his first goal for Celtic against Buckie Thistle on Sunday.

Even though his contract with Celtic ends this summer, his agents talked to four Italian clubs. However, his dad, Rudi, who used to play for Celtic, says they have chosen for Rocco to stay in Scotland. He’s hopeful that his son will continue at Celtic.