Scottish transfer market: Celtic sound out Morishita, Besiktas target Raskin, Aberdeen under pressure

The winter transfer window in the Scottish Premiership is entering a lively phase as several squad-related stories emerge. Celtic are actively exploring the market, Rangers are attracting interest from Europe, while Aberdeen are facing growing pressure from the stands. Celtic have been linked with an approach to Blackburn Rovers for Ryoya Morishita. The 29-year-old Japanese attacking midfielder plays in the Championship and is rated highly for his movement between the lines, his ability to cut inside from wide areas and his skill in creating chances through short combinations. Celtic’s early interest suggests they want more depth in midfield ahead of a congested fixture list. A loan deal with an option to buy could be a suitable solution for both clubs. In addition to Morishita, Celtic are reportedly considering letting Reo Hatate join Burnley on loan. Hatate is a Japanese international who previously impressed at Celtic and has now been linked with Burnley. The two clubs appear to have maintained close relations. If the move happens, Burnley would gain an experienced midfielder, while Celtic could free up salary space for new targets. Across Glasgow, Rangers are facing the possibility of losing a key player. Midfielder Nicolas Raskin is reportedly a target for Besiktas. The Turkish club want to strengthen their midfield and see Raskin as a viable signing during the winter market. No official fee has been disclosed, but estimates suggest his value could be in the region of £1-2 million. If Besiktas submit a formal bid, Rangers will need to balance short-term financial gain with their need to keep the squad strong for the rest of the season. Another notable point involves Bojan Miovski. The Rangers forward has confirmed that he has no agent. That statement is significant in the context of FIFA rules prohibiting third-party ownership of players’ economic rights. It reduces the compliance risk around a potential transfer. It also means Miovski can manage negotiations directly and take more control over his own career. While Celtic and Rangers handle potential transfer business, Aberdeen are facing a mental challenge. Goalkeeper Marius Muller admitted the team’s recent results have not been good enough. He even said that if he were a fan, he would boo the team at Pittodrie. His comments show that pressure from supporters has reached the dressing room. Aberdeen need to improve their form quickly to avoid a longer crisis of confidence. Away from the transfer talk, there is also a coaching story. Jens Berthel Askou formerly managed Motherwell before moving to Toulouse. Before taking the job in France, he was reportedly considered a candidate for the Celtic position. When asked about that possibility, Askou refused to comment. This suggests Celtic had already been monitoring potential managers, even though they eventually went in a different direction. There is also good news for the Scotland national team. Torino manager Ignazio Abate has said he is delighted that striker Che Adams is still at the club. Adams is an important option for Scotland’s attack. His stability at Torino should give the national team coaching staff more confidence about his form. If Adams stays fit until the next international window, Scotland’s attack will have more tactical variety. Overall, the transfer activity at this stage remains largely exploratory. Celtic have not made a formal offer for Morishita, while Besiktas have only expressed interest in Raskin. This shows that clubs are being careful before spending money. Mid-season prices are often higher than in the summer, but without intense competition from several clubs, fees can still be controlled. For Aberdeen, Muller’s honest admission could be seen as a positive sign. When players face problems directly instead of blaming circumstances, there is a basis for improvement. However, actions matter most in top-level football. Aberdeen need positive results soon to ease supporter frustration. Otherwise, questions about the coaching staff will grow after every round. For Rangers, Besiktas’ interest in Raskin is proof of his quality. He reads the game well, competes hard and is comfortable pressing. However, Rangers will not want to lose such an important player in the middle of the season. To keep him, they may need to offer improved contract terms. If the price is right, they could still accept a sale and reinvest the money in other positions. Looking at the overall picture, the Scottish winter transfer window shows that the bigger clubs are being proactive. Celtic are using interest in Morishita and Hatate to test the market. Rangers are tracking offers for Raskin and will respond when necessary. Aberdeen are trying to stabilize the dressing room while staying competitive. The next few days will determine whether these stories end in completed deals or remain only speculation. The transfer market is always full of variables. A single meeting between representatives can change everything within hours. Keeping a close eye on Scottish sources is therefore important for anyone interested in these players. No agreement has been confirmed yet, but the early signals are enough to show that Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen all have plans for the rest of the season.