The EFL players Scottish clubs could target this summer

Over the years, Scottish clubs have turned to England to snap up players who could make a real difference to their respective fortunes. We aren’t just talking about Premier League players here either, but a wave of professionals who are desperate to play for some of the country’s biggest sides.

For example, Cameron Carter-Vickers, who spent most of his career on loan at Football League clubs from Tottenham, was an unknown quantity when he arrived, but he has established himself as a key man in Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic squad. 

Premier League players aren’t easy to acquire 

Of course, Scottish sides would undoubtedly prefer to invest in proven Premier League players, but their wages tend to be a stumbling block. Additionally, the type of fees they typically command can be unaffordable for most clubs. Instead, club hierarchies and managers can follow England’s top flight from afar, watch the action unfold on television, assess football odds like Liverpool to win the league at 7/1, and essentially see it as a competition that is tough to compete with given the various riches clubs have at their disposal. 

The same applies to fans, with most fans being fully aware that signing players from Premier League clubs is a big ask. As such, they also follow the highlights, pick their fantasy football teams, and dabble in some EPL betting, but seeing players from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United ply their trade in Scotland is generally unlikely. Sadly, the financial gulf between both competitions is just too big. 

As a result of this, Scottish teams are forced to look further down the pyramid to unearth the next Cameron Carter-Vickers before one of the aforementioned English clubs does. So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at a number of EFL players teams in the Scottish Premiership could target this summer. 

Colby Bishop’s rise has been admirable

Similar to the likes of Jamie Vardy, Colby Bishop has risen from non-league obscurity to help fire Portsmouth to the Championship. The forward has scored goals wherever he has been and it was Accrington Stanley who took the plunge to sign him from Leamington in 2019.

Since then, the rest is history, and Bishop’s gone on to make quite a name for himself at Portsmouth. The Championship side won’t be keen to sell such an important player, but should the likes of Celtic or Rangers come calling, then their resolve will surely be tested. 

Dan Kemp is a free agent

A creative midfield player with the ability needed to shine in Scotland, Dan Kemp is a free agent many Scottish clubs could be looking at. While moving to the likes of Celtic and Rangers is probably unlikely, the former MK Dons man, who stood out during a loan spell with Swindon Town this season, could be a target for the likes of Dundee, Hibernian, and St. Johnstone. 

Sammie Szmodics has had the season of his life

Another striker who knows where the goal is, Blackburn’s Sammie Szmodics is being looked at by numerous clubs after a fantastic season in the Championship. The former Peterborough United man finished as the top scorer in the division and looks set to depart the club this summer. Premier League clubs are circling, but he could easily end up at one of Scotland’s major clubs. 

Ben Sheaf’s quality is evident 

Coventry City have relied on Ben Sheaf’s various qualities since obtaining him on a permanent basis from Arsenal in 2021 after the talented midfielder shone while on loan at the club. Sheaf is a box-to-box midfielder who would shine in Scotland, although he wouldn’t come cheap.