5 free agents Kilmarnock could sign to bolster squad

The transfer window may be shut, but Derek McInnes can still move to improve his squad by utilising the free agent market.

The transfer window may be shut, but Derek McInnes can still move to improve his Kilmarnock squad by utilising the free agent market.

Killie made six additions to their squad during the summer, as Bruce Anderson, Robby McCrorie, Oliver Bainbridge and Jack Burroughs were accompanied by Stuart Findlay - whose loan was extended for another year - and Corrie Ndaba after his loan from Ipswich became a permanent deal.

Despite the manager admitting that there were intentions to sign one or two players on deadline day on Friday, August 30, it was All Quiet on the Western Front at Rugby Park, and no late business was conducted.

Clubs are still able to tap into their contact books and register players who are without a club. Gary Mackay-Steven joining Killie was an example of this last November.

So, with the consensus that Killie could still be doing with a couple of additions in midfield and the final third of the pitch, here are five free agents that could be considered by McInnes and his recruitment chief Russ Richardson…

---

Ryan Jack

He seems to have been doing a tour of as many director’s boxes around the west of Scotland as possible in recent weeks.

The 32-year-old has been without a club since he left Rangers at the end of his contract at the end of May earlier this year.

Without a doubt, the Scotland international - when fit - is a step above what Killie could realistically aim for. That’s the thing though, is he ever going to be back at the level of fitness required to play week in, week out in the Scottish Premiership?

It already remains to be seen if Kyle Magennis can return to a fit enough state to be able to sustain a consistent run in the team again after his very well-documented injury issues.

Best described as a ‘No.6’, Jack played just 22 times last season as he contended with a variety of injuries, including a recurring calf problem.

While he did make 36 appearances in the 2022/23 season, the two campaigns before this saw just 22 and 21 outings to his name.

It appears that a move to Turkey is on the cards for the former Gers and Aberdeen holding midfielder, with second-tier side Erokspor having made an offer.

So, the ship may have sailed on Jack (if it was even docked to begin with), but if he was interested and McInnes wanted him, then you can never have too many good players in the team.

He could be especially useful if Liam Donnelly - the only naturally defensive midfielder in the squad - is out injured for any lengthy period of time.

Scott Fraser

Another known face in Scottish football, the 29-year-old played the second half of last season on loan at Hearts after making his return north of the border several years after leaving Dundee United.

He didn’t set the heather alight at Tynecastle, but while Jack provides more solid cover in midfield, doing the unfashionable side of the game, Fraser offers more offensively as an attacking-minded player with a cultured left foot, as the old cliché goes.

He was freed by Charlton at the end of the summer window and has yet to pick up a club, although, it is believed that both Hearts and Dundee have shown interest.

Fraser has played most of his career in League One down south, with nearly 200 appearances to his name in that division.

With the need for more players, like Liam Polworth, who can pick a pass and inject some much-needed creativity into a system that is otherwise totally dependent on wingers providing dangerous crosses for two strikers, then Fraser seems like a decent option.

Assuming wages aren’t a problem, then he’s a realistic target. If he doesn’t end up at Killie, don’t be surprised to see him at a rival club.

Scott Hogan

Hogan left Birmingham City in the summer following their relegation to League One, and the former Republic of Ireland international has been without a club since.

Once sold by Brentford to Aston Villa for nearly £10m back in 2017, the striker has a wealth of experience in the EFL.

His goal-scoring record at some of the clubs he’s played for reads; 36 in 158 games for Birmingham, 10 in 61 for Villa, 19 in 40 for Rochdale and 21 in 36 for Brentford.