With the transfer window for Scottish Premiership clubs officially opening on January 1, what do Hearts, Celtic and Rangers need to realize their championship dreams?

This will be the first opportunity for Wilfried Nancy and Danny Rohr to join the teams they inherited since taking over at Celtic and Rangers respectively.

At Hearts, head coach Derek McInnes, with the help of Tony Bloom’s Jamestown Analytics, is hoping to unearth more gems following a successful summer transfer window.

Just six points separate the three clubs and Chris Sutton believes whoever has the best window at the start of 2026 will go on to win the title…

Boyd: Hearts need to trim squad to challenge for title

Hearts, the first non-established club to reach the top of Scottish football since 1993-94, have begun preparations for the second half of the season.

Attacking right-back Jordy Artner has agreed to join from Dutch club RKC Waalwijk until the summer of 2029, while Kazakh winger Islam Chesnokov is expected to arrive at Tynecastle Park in the coming days.

While McInnes will be pleased with the club strengthening in areas he identified early in the transfer window, Chris Boyd believes further attacking support could be key, as well as letting some fringe players leave.

“They signed Artner and Chesnokov, plus record signing Eduardo Ayew will be back in the center of the pitch – they’ve got players back,” Boyd said. warm up.

“If Laurence Shankland’s goals dry up, or if something happens to him, then I think they might look at area nine. However, it’s difficult to bring in another striker when you already have so many.”

“Hearts’ biggest problem is that the squad is bloated and big. They may have to let players go, although I think that may be the priority in the summer.”

‘Celtic need to improve team average’

Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson said he has started working with Nancy on plans for the January and summer transfer windows.

However, after five losses in seven games, the Frenchman wants new signings to arrive as soon as possible if he is to help Celtic defend their title.

When asked what the Celtics need in the coming weeks, Sutton said: “How long do you have?

“Everyone needs a striker. The signings made over the summer were not nearly good enough.

“I think the centre-back position, especially on the right, is a problem. They also have problems with Yang Xianjun at right-wing back.

“Even if you look at the middle of the park, I’m a big fan of Leo Hartart and Callum McGregor.

“However, Benjamin Nygren’s performances have been inconsistent, despite his recent goals, which is important. I’m still not entirely convinced of Arne Engels, so you need to bring in better players than you currently have.”

“I think it’s fair to say this is a mid-level Celtics team.”

‘Rangers need to know the players at the club’

Rohr is looking to strengthen his defense and add depth in the midfield and attacking areas to improve his starting lineup.

The likes of Westeros left-back Turre Lomons and former Ibrox player Josh Windass have been discussed as January options.

However, former Gers striker Steven Naismith, who won six major honours, including three league titles, believes any signing must be aware of the pressure of playing at the club.

“They need better quality in every aspect,” the Scotland coach said. “He needs a striker, he needs a constant goal threat.

“It’s similar to Celtic, they both need players they can rely on every week to create chances and score goals. That’s what the most successful teams at Rangers and Celtic have always had.

“When you look at the squad, I think Rangers need players who understand what Rangers is about – it’s not acceptable to leave home and get a draw. That’s probably what they need the most.”