The summer 2026 transfer window has concluded, marking a period of significant reshuffling for clubs across the Scottish Championship. Teams have been actively engaged in strengthening their rosters, with numerous players joining and departing, as well as various loan deals being finalized. This comprehensive overview provides a detailed look at the changes each club has undergone, setting the stage for an exciting new season.
Arbroath initiated several strategic acquisitions, bringing in Andy Winter from Livingston and Michael McKenna from East Fife to bolster their attacking and midfield options. They also secured Scott McGill, Brody Paterson, and Stuart Morrison to fortify their defense. On the departure front, Harry Cochrane moved to Greenock Morton, while Jack Wilkie joined Livingston. Several loan agreements also concluded, with players like Findlay Marshall and Aidan Nesbitt returning to their parent clubs.
Ayr United made notable changes, appointing Gary Naysmith as manager from Stenhousemuir. Player transfers included Leon King and Ben Summers making their loan moves permanent from Rangers and Celtic, respectively. Luke McBeth, Ross Taylor, Kieran Shanks, and Reece Lyon were also added to their ranks. Among those leaving Ayr United were John Rankin, who joined Airdrieonians, and key forwards George Oakley and Anton Dowds, who both moved to Raith Rovers.
Dunfermline Athletic’s transfer activity saw Aston Oxborough’s loan from Motherwell become a permanent deal. Kian Corbally, Musa Dibaga, and Luke Robinson were among the new faces, while Oli Shaw arrived from Hamilton Academical. Departures included Matty Todd to St Johnstone and Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen to Wigan Athletic. Several loan spells, such as Graham Carey’s, also came to an end, with others like Jake Sutherland heading out on loan.
Greenock Morton welcomed Jayden Gorman from Dubai City and Bobby McLuckie from Heart of Midlothian, alongside Harry Cochrane from Arbroath. Grant Savoury and Brian Kinnear also joined their squad. Notable exits included Cammy MacPherson to Livingston and Zak Delaney to Raith Rovers. The club also saw the conclusion of loan agreements for players like James Storer and Reuben Lopata-White.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle strengthened their squad with the addition of Graeme Shinnie and Ryan Duncan from Aberdeen, and Kerr Smith from Aston Villa. Liam Sole’s loan from Livingston became a permanent transfer, and new forwards Miller Keir and Hamzad Kargbo were signed. Key departures included Ross Millen to Raith Rovers and Sam Nixon to Brora Rangers. Numerous loan agreements concluded, seeing players like Alfie Stewart return to their clubs.
Livingston appointed Glenn Whelan as head coach and made significant player acquisitions including Liam Polworth, Sam Nicholson, Bradly van Hoeven, and Cammy Palmer. Joe Boggan, Cammy MacPherson, and Tyrese Sinclair also joined the team. Marvin Bartley, the former head coach, moved to Stenhousemuir, while Lewis Smith and Tete Yengi departed for Aberdeen and Machida Zelvia, respectively. Several established players like Scott Arfield and Andrew Shinnie also left the club.
Partick Thistle secured Oisin Smyth and Ethan Ingram on permanent deals following their loan spells from St Mirren and Dundee. Josh Clarke and Ben McPherson also made their moves from Celtic permanent. Ben Dempsey arrived from Ayr United, and Euan Henderson joined from Airdrieonians. Logan Chalmers moved to St Johnstone, and Luke McBeth transferred to Ayr United, while Scott Martin joined Queen's Park permanently.
Queen’s Park reinforced their squad with Jack Hamilton from Raith Rovers and David Mitchell from Ayr United. Scott Martin also joined permanently from Partick Thistle. On the other hand, Calum Ferrie moved to Kilmarnock, and Harris Afzal was transferred to Southampton. Grant Savoury departed for Greenock Morton, and Seb Drodz moved to Partick Thistle, among other exits.
Raith Rovers bolstered their team with George Oakley and Anton Dowds from Ayr United, and Kyle Turner from Partick Thistle. Charlie Telfer, Zak Delaney, and Arron Lyall were also significant additions, alongside John Robertson from East Kilbride. Aidan Glavin moved to Linfield, while Jordan Doherty transferred to Livingston. Jack Hamilton departed for Queen’s Park, and Richard Chin joined Ross County.
Stenhousemuir appointed Marvin Bartley as manager and brought in Scott Bright from St Johnstone, Lewis O'Donnell from Dundee United, and Sam Young from Dunfermline Athletic. Robbie Hemfrey also joined as goalkeeper. The club saw their former manager, Gary Naysmith, move to Ayr United, and Ross Taylor also joined Ayr United. Scott McGill transferred to Arbroath, and Finlay Gray departed for East Kilbride.
In conclusion, the Scottish Championship experienced a dynamic summer transfer window in 2026, characterized by numerous player transfers, managerial changes, and strategic loan movements across all participating clubs. Each team has diligently worked to adapt and enhance its squad composition, reflecting their ambitions for the upcoming season. These adjustments promise an intriguing and competitive period ahead, as the newly formed rosters vie for supremacy in the league.
