Former Aberdeen stalwart Scott McKenna is once again being linked with a move to Celtic, with the club reportedly eyeing up a return to Scotland for the Scotland international defender – but is this simply a case of history repeating itself?
Athletic Club v UD Las Palmas. La Liga EA Sports match. Date 33 Scott McKenna of UD Las Palmas during the La Liga EA Sports match between Athletic Club played at San Mames Stadium on 23 April 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. Photo Marcos Calvox
According to SportsBoom journalist Neil Goulding, McKenna is a target for Celtic, alongside fellow Scottish Premiership clubs theRangers and Hibs. Goulding reports:
“Scottish clubs Celtic, (the)Rangers, and Hibernian are interested in signing Scotland international Scott McKenna from Spanish side Las Palmas. The experienced centre-back has a relegation release clause in his contract and is looking for a move back to Scotland or England.”
This is not the first time Celtic have had McKenna on their radar. The 28-year-old defender, who has 42 caps for Scotland, was a player the Hoops looked at closely last summer. However, while interest was very much real, the club ultimately baulked at McKenna’s wage demands – a stumbling block that saw him make the switch to La Liga side Las Palmas instead.
RC Celta de Vigo v UD Las Palmas – La Liga EA Sports Scott McKenna of UD Las Palmas plays during the La Liga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and UD Las Palmas at Estadio Abanca Balaidos in Vigo, Spain, on March 31, 2025. Vigo Pontevedra Spain Photo Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey
McKenna’s move to Spain didn’t go to plan as Las Palmas was relegated
Unfortunately for McKenna, the move to Spain didn’t go to plan. Las Palmas endured a difficult season in the Spanish top flight, finishing 19th and suffering relegation, activating a release clause in the defender’s contract. Now, with his time in Gran Canaria at an end, McKenna appears open to a move back to familiar territory.
April 25, 2025, Famalicao, Guimaraes, Portugal: JUSTIN DE HAAS from FC Famalicao seen celebrating his goal during the Liga Portugal Betclic 2024/25 match between FC Famalicao and SC Braga at EstoÂdio Municipal de FamalicoÂo on April 25, 2025 in Famalicao, Portugal.Final score: FC Famalicao 1 – 1 SC Braga Famalicao Portugal – Photo Miguel Lemos
The big question now is whether Celtic’s interest remains strong
The big question now is whether Celtic’s interest remains strong – or if Brendan Rodgers has his sights set elsewhere. One key factor to consider is the club’s pursuit of Dutch defender Justin De Haas, who has been reported in recent days as a strong candidate for the left-sided centre-back role.
McKenna would undoubtedly bring experience and physical presence to the backline, and as a homegrown talent, he fits well within UEFA squad registration quotas. But with Rodgers known for favouring ball-playing defenders who are comfortable stepping out of the backline, the style of De Haas may edge him into pole position.
Scott McKenna of FC Copenhagen during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Manchester City and F.C. Copenhagen at Etihad Stadium on March 06, 2024 (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
That said, McKenna’s leadership, defensive nous, and knowledge of the Scottish game make him a compelling option—especially with the rigours of domestic competition and European football demanding depth and rotation.
Celtic expected to build up their summer business in the coming days
With pre-season in full swing and Celtic expected to build up their summer business in the coming days, particularly with the sale of Nicolas Kuhn to Como swelling the bank balance still further, it remains to be seen whether McKenna is more than just a fallback option. Could the Hoops be preparing a second swoop – this time one that gets over the line?
One thing’s for certain – with interest from both sides of the Glasgow divide, Celtic would need to move decisively if they want to bring McKenna to the club.
Scott McKenna of Scotland in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Scotland and Poland at on September 05, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
It wouldn’t be a transfer window without the habitual link to Scott McKenna
It is unlikely Hibs would be able to match McKenna’s wage demands unless his wish to return to Scotland outweighs his wish to maximise his salary, and although it’s not impossible that McKenna would sign on at Ibrox, the fact he’s a Celtic supporter, would likely mean he may think twice about making that move.
Scott McKenna during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on September 02, 2023. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
It wouldn’t be a transfer window without the habitual link to Scott McKenna, but as a free agent, and perhaps a player looking to return to Scotland, it may be that this time around a deal could be done.
Niall J
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