Transfer deadline day saw significant activity across the Scottish Premiership, with Aberdeen FC's rivals making late moves. The Dons themselves were not reported to be in the market as the window closed, according to a live blog from the Daily Record. Aberdeen currently sit 10th in the Premiership table with three points from four games, having scored just twice while conceding seven.
Rangers were pursuing a season-long loan for Stuttgart winger Badredine Bouanani. The deal includes an option to buy, which if triggered at a reported €18 million (£15.5m) would break the Ibrox club's transfer record. The 21-year-old, who was part of the Nice side that lost 4-1 to Rangers in the Europa League two years ago, underwent a medical ahead of the move. Rangers were also set to announce the £9m signing of Kevin Kelsy and had interest in Esmir Bajraktarevic.
Hearts confirmed the signing of Leart Kabashi from Grasshoppers Zurich for an undisclosed fee. The 19-year-old Swiss youth international, who made six senior appearances for his former club, signed a four-year contract at Tynecastle. Manager Wouter Vrancken had outlined a specific transfer policy earlier in the day. "The club is always looking for opportunities," Vrancken said. "It’s not adding anything when you bring another one in who is the same level or pretty much the same level of the guys you already have. When you do something with the squad it has to be extra quality."
Dundee United agreed a deal with Utrecht for midfielder Zidane Iqbal, who was travelling to Scotland for a medical. The player, who came through Manchester United's academy and is the first of Pakistani heritage to appear in a World Cup finals, is in the final year of his contract. St Johnstone secured a permanent deal for Swansea City's Joel Cotterill, a player boss Simo Valakari had tracked all summer. Falkirk aimed to sign Derby County winger Owen Eames on a loan deal, which would be the 19-year-old's first temporary move away from Pride Park.
Hearts also saw departures, with Yan Dhanda and Elton Kabangu potential late exits and Sander Kartum having already terminated his deal to join Aalesunds FK. Kartum made 18 appearances for Hearts and spent last season on loan at Wellington Phoenix before signing a deal with the Norwegian side until the season's end.
While their rivals were active, Aberdeen's focus remains on their current squad and league position. The Dons are nine points behind leaders Celtic and have a challenging run of fixtures ahead, which fans can track on our fixtures page. Their next match is an away trip to face Falkirk on December 12th. The squad is also dealing with several absences, with Bradley Lyons, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Kristers Tobers, and Kusini Yengi all currently sidelined.
Managerial comments from other clubs highlighted the selective approach many were taking. John McGlynn, discussing a different signing, noted the attributes he valued. "He can play across the midfield in all positions, he can play wide, or he can play through the middle," McGlynn said. "And he’s an infectious type of boy that presses the ball so well." For Aberdeen, the immediate task is to improve upon a recent form line of three losses and one win. The team's defensive record, with seven goals conceded, will be a key area for improvement as they build towards that December fixture against 11th-placed Falkirk.
