Steady Moves in a Busy Month: Hearts’ January Window Reviewed

Heart of Midlothian approached the January 2026 transfer window with a clear aim, to strengthen key areas without disrupting the core of the squad.  Defensive reinforcement arrived early with the signing of Dutch centre-back Jordi Altena from RKC Waalwijk. Brought in on an undisclosed fee, Altena has added reinforcements to the Jambos back line while also offering an attacking side as well. In attack, Hearts looked abroad for added pace and creativity. Islam Chesnokov joined from Tobol Kostanay, giving the side another option out wide. His arrival was highly anticipated after signing a pre contract at the beginning of the season. Midfield depth was addressed later in the window through the loan signing of Marc Leonard from Birmingham City. Leonard was part of the Hearts academy and has had a large impact over his first two games. Another attacking option arrived in the shape of Rogers Mato, who joined on loan from FK Vardar. The Ugandan forward came in as Hearts managed injuries among their strikers, with the deal structured to allow for his permanent three year move in the summer. Outgoing business was quieter but still significant. Goalkeeper Zander Clark moved to Doncaster Rovers on loan for the remainder of the campaign. The move allowed Clark to gain regular minutes, while Hearts still have the options of Alexander Schwolow, Craig Gordon and Ryan Fulton. Midfielder Sander Kartum also left temporarily, joining Wellington Phoenix in Australia’s A-League Men. The loan will provide Kartum with more consistent football and he has made an impact already, scoring in his first appearance for the club. One of the more high-profile exits came very late in the window, as academy graduate James Wilson joined Tottenham Hotspur on loan with an option to buy. The 18-year-old striker moved south to continue his development at under-21 level in England. Hearts’ January window was more about smart adjustments than headline moves. Additions were made across defence, midfield and attack, while outgoing loans gave players the chance to play regularly elsewhere. It all pointed to a club thinking sensibly about the present while keeping one eye on the months ahead in their title charge.

Dundee sign young Mexican forward

Dundee have completed the signing of Mexican forward Aldahir Valenzuela, who joins on a loan deal from Mexican outfit Monterrey until the summer of 2026. Valenzuela previously trained with Dundee in the summer, where he clearly caught the eye of boss Steven Pressley. Several players have made the switch from Monterrey to Dundee due to the strategic partnership the 2 clubs have. Cesar Garza and Victor Lopez previously made the switch. Aldahir after signing for Dundee: “I feel very proud to join Dundee FC. It is a new challenge to join this great club, and I hope to add as much as possible during my time here.”

St Johnstone sign Irish striker

St Johnstone have completed the signing of 25-year-old forward Ruari Paton, who joins on a season-long loan from English League One side Port Vale. Paton has plenty experience in Scotland. The Irishman played for East Kilbride between July 2019 and June 2020, where he played 7 games and scored 3 goals, Stranraer between July 2020 and June 2021, where he played 30 times and scored 9 goals, Queen of the South between July 2021 and June 2023, where he played 91 times and scored 33 goals, Queen’s Park between July 2023 and July 2024, where he played 43 times and scored 22 goals and Dundee United between January 2025 and June 2025, where he played 13 games and failed to find the net. Paton after signing for Saints: “I hope to bring composure, tenacity and of course some goals. But I can say that all I want, I need to show the supporters. “I’m just feeling pure excitement and, as I said, I’m really looking forward to having a good crack at this and having a strong finish to the season. “I’m so eager to get out there on the training field with all the guys. It’s going to be great.”

Leighton Clarkson departs for England

Leighton Clarkson has departed the Dons for English League One side Blackpool. Clarkson who started up in the Liverpool academy making three appearances for the Premier League side before making a loan switch to English Championship side Blackburn Rovers but failing to make any impact at Edwood Park. A loan move to Scotland was up next where the ex-Liverpool man impressed in the Granite City in which earned him a permanent switch from Anfield to Pittodrie. During his time up North, Leighton has made 154 appearances for Aberdeen netting 18 times and grabbing 17 assists along the way. Clarkson has made 5 caps in the England U20s side but failing to register any goal or assist for his nation. Following his departure, Leighton said: “From the moment I arrived on loan, I felt at home here and I want to thank all the coaches and club staff, both past and present, who have helped me over the years. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of many dressing rooms, but I have had some special moments with my teammates here and made friends for life, so I want to thank all of them. “Finally, I want to thank the fans who have given me their full backing since the day I arrived. Pittodrie is a special place, and I leave with lots of happy memories, particularly after the cup win last year. Getting the chance to celebrate with the supporters during the parade is something I will never forget.” Leighton has struggled for games this season under Jimmy Thelin but since the departure of the Swede, the former Liverpool man had returned to the line-up. Clarkson was heavily linked with a move to Luton Town but any deal was brushed under the carpet as Leighton pens a two-and-half-year deal at Blackpool as the Scottish Cup winner ends his three-and-a-half year spell in Scotland.

Dundee sign Wright on loan

Dundee have signed winger Scott Wright from English Championship side Birmingham City until the end of the season.  Wright joins Dundee on a loan deal for the rest of the season from English Championship outfit Birmingham City. The 28-year-old has plenty experience playing in the Scottish Premiership, with over 6 years at Aberdeen and then Rangers, where he spent 3 years, where he won the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish Cup and the League Cup, before joining Birmingham City. While at Aberdeen, Wright had a loan spell at Dens Park, where he featured in 13 games, scoring 3 and providing 4 assists. Wright has struggled with injuries whilst in England. In February 2025, the winger picked up a serious injury which kept him sidelined until December. When Wright returned from injury, he was sidelined again until early January. Since returning, Wright has played 6 minutes in 3 games. Scott Wright after signing: “It’s great to be back, excited to be back here and be playing some football. Personally, it was great for me at the time (the previous loan spell), I came in as a young man, it was good for me getting away from home and playing real football. I’m delighted to be back, can’t wait to see the fans at Dens Park soon.”

Hearts Youngster Wilson set for Premier League Move

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to take James Wilson on loan from Hearts till the end of the season, with an option to buy. The 18-year-old managed six goals in thirty-three appearances last season, but has fallen down the pecking order under Derek McInnes, featuring just six times. Arsenal were reported to offer similar interest, offering a trial for the youngster, but Hearts have instead opted for Wilson to join Thomas Frank’s side. The Premier League interest took McInnes by surprise, he told Sky Sports Scotland earlier this week. “He’s been restricted with minutes this season. It’s tough to get into the first team at this age,” “Would we see the benefit of a loan? Yes, to get some minutes. But this one was a wee bit left-field.”

Dundee sign Dutch defender

Dundee have completed the signing of defender Lewis Montsma, who joins on a six-month deal from English League One side Lincoln City, with an option to extend,  The 27-year-old was at Lincoln since July 2020, where he joined after spending 2 years at Dutch outfit FC Dordrecht. The Dutch defender featured in 108 games over 5 years in England.  Montsma has struggled for minutes this campaign. The 27-year-old has only featured in 4 matches, with all 4 coming in cup competitions. 2 in the EFL Trophy, 1 in the FA Cup and the other in the EFL Cup.  After signing, Montsma said:  “I’m very happy to be here. As soon as my agent said Dundee were really interested, I was like this is for me. It’s a good change for me in my career; I hope to play a lot of games here. I spoke to Ethan (Hamilton) on the phone, he told me about how the place is, it looks very nice here, really looking forward to getting started.”

Celtic Sign Junior Adamu on Loan Until End of Season

Celtic have signed SC Freiburg striker Junior Adamu on loan until the end of the season, with an option included to later make the move permanent. The Austrian International has scored one goal in nine Bundesliga appearances this season, and becomes the Parkhead side’s third arrival this window. And the 24-year-old is relishing the chance to revive his form that earned him a move to Germany in 2023. He told Celtic’s official website: “I’m very excited to be here and I can’t wait to get started. “I want to give my best for this club and try and win the title, and also the cup, and to score a lot of goals and help the team, and I also want to improve as a player. “I’ve spoken with the manager and he’s given me good motivation, and I trust him, he’s given me that trust, he’s told me how the system is and I feel the connection is really strong. “I’m dangerous in the box and hungry for goals. That’s what the manager sees in me and I want to show that on the pitch. “I can’t wait to be in the stadium. I’ve seen a lot of videos and it looks amazing and I can’t wait to get started.” Adamu is the second striker brought in on loan in January for Celtic after Tomas Cvancara signed from Borussia Monchengladbach last week. Both will be eyeing for a start on Wednesday night as the Hoops travel to face Aberdeen. Johnny Kenny has left on loan for Bolton Wanderers, meaning Martin O Neill’s two loan frontmen and Kelechi Iheanacho now make up Celtic’s attacking options.

One arrives, and one departs at Pittodrie

Aberdeen secured the loan signing of Hoffenheim midfielder Dennis Geiger on loan until the end of the season with Adil Aouchiche being recalled by Sunderland. Aberdeen completed the loan signing of 27-year-old midfielder Dennis Geiger on loan from Bundesliga side, Hoffenheim with an option to buy. Aberdeen will be the first team Dennis has played for outside of Hoffenheim having played for the German side for 11 years. Geiger has made 0 appearances in the German league this campaign despite featuring on 25 occasions last campaign. The German has proven to be unlucky with injuries of late as he looks to pursue game time in Scotland and return to full fitness. Aberdeen fought off many competitors with one club being Ajax as the midfielder chose Scotland over the Dutch giants. In terms of players departing, Adil Aouchiche was recalled by Premier League side, Sunderland as the Frenchman completed a move to German outfit, Schalke. Adil made 16 appearances in red netting on 3 occasions since joining on loan in the summer. The former PSG man made his dons debut in the 2-0 defeat in the league opener at Tynecastle with the midfielder’s only three goals coming against Dundee with one in a 4-0 win at Pittodrie and a brace in a 3-1 win at Dens Park. Adil said: “I’d like to thank all the people working for this club, my teammates and of course the fans. This club is huge and the fans deserve happy days. They are all really important for the player and i wish Aberdeen all the best for the future.”

Europa league and FA Cup success: January review at Aston Villa

One defeat so far in 2026 as we look into January for Unai Emery’s men Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest Aston Villa made a perfect start to the new year with a convincing 3-1 win over Sean Dyche’s men, wasting no time in bouncing back from a heavy 4-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates earlier that week. A goal from Ollie Watkins on his 250th appearance for the club and two second-half goals from Scotland international John McGinn guided Villa to an 11th straight victory at Villa Park, their longest winning run since 1980. Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa Up next was a tough away trip to Selhurst Park to face a Palace side who were undefeated against Villa in their last six encounters but were struggling themselves domestically, having not recorded a home win since the beginning of November. A frustrating goalless draw, which saw Emery’s side have fifteen shots on goal, meant Villa failed to tighten the gap to three points on Arsenal at the top of the table. Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa (FA Cup) It was a break from league action with Villa travelling to North London as they began their FA Cup journey with an impressive 2-1 win against fellow Premier League outfit Spurs. A strong opening half saw first-half goals from Emiliano Buendia and Morgan Rogers give Villa a two-goal cushion at the break, and despite an improved display from Thomas Frank’s side in the second half, which saw Wilson Odobert pull a goal back, Villa held on to book a place in the fourth round as a home tie against Newcastle United awaits later this month. Aston Villa 0-1 Everton Villa went into this game knowing a win would see them overtake Manchester City into second place after they had fallen to a 2-0 defeat in the Manchester Derby the day before. However, they were unable to take advantage of that opportunity and instead suffered only a third defeat at Villa Park this season in what was an uninspiring performance, to say the least. Villa showed a real lack of urgency and quality in the final third for large spells, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez’s mistake, which led to Everton’s goal, proved to be costly in the end. Fenerbahce 0-1 Aston Villa On a more positive note, Villa would go on to secure automatic qualification for the last 16 in the Europa League with a game to spare, as they grounded out a 1-0 win over José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, courtesy of Manchester United loanee Jadon Sancho netting his first goal for the club. Villa were perhaps unfortunate not to have won by more, having missed some big chances, and had a second goal for Jadon Sancho ruled out for offside before half-time. Newcastle 0-2 Aston Villa Not many people would have predicted Emery’s men to win either of their away matches against both Fenerbahce and Newcastle before a ball was kicked due to Villa’s injury issues, but they did exactly that. Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins scored in either half to secure a first away win at St James’ Park since 2005 and ensure Villa’s strong away form in the league continued, as they would go level on points with second-placed Manchester City for the time being. Aston Villa 3-2 Red Bull Salzburg Villa would end the month with three points against German opposition Red Bull Salzburg as the league phase of the Europa League ended, with Villa already through. Villa showed resilience and character as they fought from 2-0 down to win it late on, with 19-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba coming off the bench to net his first senior goal for the club, as Villa ended the league phase of the Europa League unbeaten at Villa Park, and they can now look forward to the knockout stages in March.