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Kicks off this weekend
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The Scottish Premiership returns this weekend and it’s gearing up to be another thrilling campaign. The Scottish Premiership lacks the finances and prestige that the neighboring English Premier League enjoys but the passion from supporters is on another level. Celtic are favourites to win their fifth consecutive title and they’ve enjoyed a near monopoly on Scottish football recently as they’ve been crowned champions in 13 of the last 14 seasons.
Rangers will be aiming to deny their fierce rivals as they enter a new era in their distinguished history after a takeover from US investors. There’s also excitement outside Scotland’s biggest two clubs with Brighton’s famed owner Tony Bloom investing in Hearts and their Edinburgh rivals Hibs enjoyed a third placed finish last season. Aberdeen shocked Celtic to win the Scottish Cup last season and they’ve invested in several intriguing signings. Scottish Premiership clubs’ record of handing emerging opportunities is abysmal across recent years but we’ve analysed seven U21 starlets to watch this season.
Seven U21 Scottish Premiership stars to watch in 2024/25 season
Celtic broke their transfer record to sign Arne Engels for €13 million last summer from Bundesliga side Augsburg. Naturally expectations were high for Engels given the investment but the Belgian midfielder failed to hit the heights during his debut season in Glasgow. 23 goal investments in 52 games is a good return for a midfielder but that masks some of the deficiencies in Engels’ performances. The 21-year-old is undeniably talented and Brendan Rodgers will be desperate for him to show his true worth next season with the aim of selling him on for a profit.
Djeidi Gassama has made an immediate impression since joining Rangers this summer for €2.4m from Sheffield Wednesday. The energetic winger scored in both Champions League second round qualifying rounds against Panathinaikos to preserve the Ibrox club’s aspirations of playing in European football’s premier club competition. Gassama is incredibly skillful with an end product and Russell Martin places huge emphasis on his wingers to make the difference in his system. The 21-year-old was highly rated as he progressed through PSG’s youth ranks, playing for France at youth level and Rangers fans will be hoping that he can fulfil his potential in Glasgow.
David Watson enjoyed an incredible breakthrough season, winning the PFA and SFWA Young Player of the Year awards for the 2023/24 season. Watson was on the radar of English Premiership clubs after impressing but he failed to replicate his performance levels last season. The Scotland U21 international was in and out of Derek McInnes’ starting eleven but he will be determined to showcase his unquestionable quality this season, although Kilmarnock are expected to struggle.
Forget Lawrence Shankland, James Wilson is the jewel in Hearts’ crown and could net them a substantial transfer fee in the coming years. Hearts’ strategy, as exemplified by Brighton, must be to develop younger players before selling them on. The Jambos transfer record has been horrendous across the last decade but there should be confidence that Bloom’s presence will improve this. Wilson rejected Premier League interest to commit his future to Hearts and he netted five goals in the Scottish Premiership last season to earn his Scotland debut. The 18-year-old possesses enormous potential and it would be a major surprise if he doesn't earn a big move to a top five league club across the next 18 months.
Isaac Pappoe remains a relatively unknown quality after arriving on a season-long loan from Hungarian champions Ferencvaros. Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin labelled the 21-year-old a ‘really exciting talent’ and Pappoe certainly doesn't lack confidence, describing himself as a ‘lovely player’. United have identified the European market this summer with the aim of unearthing gems and Pappoe could make a big impression.
There’s huge excitement at St Mirren over Evan Mooney as he’s regarded as one of the best talents to emerge through their academy in decades. The talented attacker scored his first professional goal last season against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership and he’s expected to receive more minutes this season. Mooney has attracted interest from Newcastle United and Arsenal, so he’s definitely a player with a bright future.
Aberdeen have targeted the Scandinavian market regularly since Jimmy Thelin’s arrival as manager from Elfsborg. The Swedish manager has been instrumental in this approach and Aberdeen view Kjartan Mar Kjartansson as a major coup. The defensive midfielder reportedly has interest from top European clubs and he’s featured for Aberdeen regularly in pre-season.
