Derek McInnes set to sign Celtic star as his first Rangers signing and use him to rebuild the team

Scottish football never sleeps, and as the transfer window reopened, clubs across the country immediately returned to business. Supporters everywhere began refreshing their phones once again, hoping for good news and fearing the worst. Managers, sporting directors and scouts were all back to work as preparations for the new campaign intensified.

With another season approaching, Rangers, Celtic and Hearts all found themselves at the centre of fresh transfer stories. Some players were being linked with exits, others with surprise arrivals, and a few careers were preparing to take unexpected turns.

One of the names attracting attention was Scotland international Ross Stewart. The striker had officially become a free agent after leaving Southampton. His time at St Mary’s had been difficult because injuries prevented him from showing his best on a regular basis. Despite that, many people still believed the 29-year-old had plenty left to offer.

Stewart was currently with the Scotland national team at the World Cup in the United States, but his club future remained uncertain. In previous months, Rangers had been linked with him, and many supporters wondered whether a move to Ibrox could eventually happen.

However, another club was now being strongly mentioned. Derby County were searching for a striker capable of leading their attack as they looked to push towards the Premier League, and former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips believed Ross Stewart would be perfect for them.

Phillips admitted he was surprised Southampton had allowed the striker to leave. While he understood concerns regarding injuries, he believed Stewart had proven during the final months of the campaign that he remained a dangerous player.

According to Phillips, Derby County would be getting a fantastic signing if they managed to convince Stewart to join them. He believed the striker’s experience and goalscoring qualities could make the difference in a difficult Championship season.

As speculation around Stewart continued, Hearts announced a departure of their own.

Midfielder Calem Nieuwenhof had endured two extremely frustrating seasons. Since arriving from Western Sydney Wanderers, injuries had repeatedly interrupted his progress. Last season was especially painful. Hearts enjoyed one of the greatest campaigns in their modern history, pushing strongly in the title race, but Nieuwenhof could only watch from the sidelines.

Hamstring problems restricted him to just one appearance. Every time he looked close to returning, another setback followed. It became a cycle nobody wanted, and eventually all parties agreed that a fresh start was necessary.

Hearts confirmed that the Australian midfielder would return to his homeland after agreeing a season-long loan move to Perth Glory.

The 25-year-old spoke openly about his excitement. He explained that his main objective was simply to play football consistently again. He wanted to rediscover his confidence and help Perth Glory challenge for success.

He also revealed that familiarity with members of the coaching staff played an important role in his decision. Having worked with some of them before, he understood the standards expected and believed the environment could help revive his career.

While Hearts supporters wished him well, attention quickly shifted to another story involving their club.

Derek McInnes looked increasingly close to leaving Tynecastle and beginning a new chapter with Rangers.

Reports suggested that the experienced manager had agreed a three-year contract with the Glasgow giants and that only final details remained before his appointment became official.

McInnes had enjoyed remarkable success with Hearts. Under his leadership, the club had mounted an incredible challenge in the Scottish Premiership and secured a second-place finish. Expectations had not been particularly high before the season began, but his side had exceeded almost every prediction.

Much of that success came from the partnership between Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga.

Shankland had already departed Hearts earlier in the summer after completing a move to Rangers. The Scotland international striker had become one of the most admired forwards in Scottish football and his arrival at Ibrox generated huge excitement.

Now reports claimed McInnes wanted to reunite with another player who had played a huge role in Hearts’ success.

Claudio Braga.

The Portuguese forward had enjoyed a dream first season in Scotland. After arriving from Aalesund, few expected him to make such an impact. But week after week, Braga continued delivering goals and unforgettable moments.

By the end of the campaign, he had scored 14 league goals and established himself as one of the best players in the country.

His understanding with Shankland terrified defenders. Together they formed one of the deadliest partnerships in the Scottish Premiership, helping Hearts collect 80 points and secure qualification for the Champions League qualifiers.

Now there was growing belief that McInnes wanted to recreate that partnership at Rangers.

Supporters quickly began imagining Shankland and Braga wearing blue shirts together.

Some fans believed it would transform Rangers into title contenders once again.

Others warned that Hearts would not allow one of their biggest stars to leave easily.

Still, rumours continued to gather momentum.

At the same time, across Glasgow, another fascinating story was emerging.

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate was suddenly being linked with a shock return to Japan.

The Japanese international had been a hugely important figure since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in 2021. Over several seasons he had helped Celtic dominate Scottish football and collect numerous trophies.

His technical ability and intelligence made him one of the most admired midfielders in the Premiership.

But things had changed during the latter stages of the previous campaign.

Following the arrival of Martin O’Neill, competition for places increased dramatically. Hatate found himself featuring less frequently than many expected, leading to questions regarding his long-term future.

For months, English Premier League clubs had been linked with him.

But now reports from Japan claimed that Kashima Antlers were interested in bringing him back to the J-League.

The move surprised many supporters because Hatate still had plenty to offer at a high level in Europe.

Yet football often changes quickly.

Kashima Antlers were managed by Toru Oniki, a coach who knew Hatate extremely well from their time together at Kawasaki Frontale. That connection could prove decisive.

Many Celtic supporters were divided.

Some believed the midfielder deserved a fresh challenge after everything he had achieved.

Others hoped he would remain and fight for his place.

Whatever happened, there was no doubt that Hatate had already left a huge mark on the club.

During his years at Parkhead, he helped Celtic win five league titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups.

His contribution would not be forgotten.

Meanwhile, attention remained fixed on Rangers.

Supporters were eagerly awaiting official confirmation regarding Derek McInnes.

His expected arrival represented more than just a managerial change.

For many fans, it symbolised the beginning of a completely new project.

After disappointment and inconsistency, Rangers needed stability.

They needed a leader capable of rebuilding confidence.

McInnes had spent years proving himself throughout Scottish football.

From Aberdeen to Kilmarnock and then Hearts, he consistently built competitive teams.

His sides were organised, disciplined and difficult to beat.

Those qualities convinced many supporters that he was the right man for the job.

But everyone understood that the pressure at Rangers would be different.

At Ibrox, second place is never enough.

Every result is analysed.

Every transfer is debated.

Every defeat feels like a crisis.

McInnes knew that reality better than most because he had worn the Rangers shirt during his playing career.

He understood the expectations.

He understood the demands.

And perhaps most importantly, he understood how much supporters were desperate to see Rangers reclaim their place at the top of Scottish football.

The transfer window had only just reopened, but already drama was everywhere.

Ross Stewart’s future remained uncertain.

Calem Nieuwenhof prepared for a fresh start in Australia.

Claudio Braga found himself linked with a reunion that could shock Hearts supporters.

Reo Hatate faced growing questions regarding his future at Celtic.

And Rangers supporters continued counting down the hours until Derek McInnes officially arrived.

The summer had barely begun.

But Scottish football was already delivering excitement, uncertainty and endless speculation.

And if the first few days were anything to judge by, supporters everywhere knew one thing.

The biggest stories were still to come.