Aberdeen And Clyde Secure Key Loan Signings In January Moves

Scottish football’s January transfer window is buzzing with activity, and two notable loan deals are making headlines this week. On January 20, 2026, both Aberdeen and Clyde FC confirmed significant signings that could reshape their squads for the remainder of the season. Young talents Aiden McGinlay and Liam Morrison are the latest players to swap clubs, each seeking invaluable first-team experience and a chance to make a mark in Scotland’s competitive leagues.

Let’s start with Aiden McGinlay, the promising 18-year-old attacking midfielder whose journey has already taken him through some of Scotland’s most respected youth systems. McGinlay, who joined the Spiders Academy at Queen’s Park in 2024 after leaving Partick Thistle, has steadily climbed the ranks. His first-team debut came in a high-pressure Scottish Cup quarter-final against Aberdeen in March 2025, a match that tested his mettle and showcased his potential. Since then, he has made 12 appearances for Queen’s Park, including a full 90-minute performance against Clyde—ironically, his new club—in last month’s KDM Evolution Trophy tie.

Queen’s Park FC officially announced on January 20 that McGinlay would join Clyde on loan until the end of the 2025-2026 season, pending SFA clearance. This move follows a recent trend at the Spiders, with teammates Darryl Carrick and Timam Scott also securing loan spells, albeit at Annan Athletic. Head coach Sean Crighton emphasized the importance of such moves for young players, stating, “Like the two loan deals last week, this is a great opportunity for Aiden to earn regular game-time in League Two. Part of a young player’s development is regular game-time and we have seen from Jamie Bradley’s experience at Clyde during the first half of this season how beneficial that can be. I look forward to seeing Aiden show his attributes during this spell which will only stand him in good stead going forward. Once again we thank Darren and the team at Clyde for their co-operation with this deal and we will be in regular contact for updates.”

McGinlay’s arrival at Clyde comes at a crucial time. The club has seen several forward players depart in recent weeks, with Jamie and Taylor both returning to their parent clubs after making notable contributions. Manager Darren Young expressed his excitement about the new signing, saying, “We’re delighted to bring Aiden into the club, he’s someone we’ve had our eye on for a while. He’s got a lot of qualities and fits the profile we’re looking for to enhance our squad. We’re a bit light in the forward areas with Jamie and Taylor both returning to their clubs – they were young guys who came in, worked hard and made a big contribution to our season so far, and I’m confident Aiden can do the same for the remainder of our campaign.”

McGinlay’s resume is impressive for his age. Not only has he proven himself at club level, but he has also represented Scotland at multiple youth levels, including under-16, under-17, and most recently under-19, with appearances as late as September 2025. This experience bodes well for Clyde, who will be looking to harness his creativity and energy as they push for a strong finish in League Two.

Meanwhile, up north at Pittodrie, Aberdeen have bolstered their defense with the loan signing of 22-year-old centre-back Liam Morrison from Queen’s Park Rangers. The Dons announced Morrison’s arrival on January 20, with the deal set to run until the end of the 2025-2026 season. Morrison’s football journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his career at Celtic, coming through their youth ranks before making a high-profile move to Bayern Munich’s academy in 2019. While his time in Germany didn’t yield a first-team breakthrough, Morrison gained invaluable experience and later joined Wigan Athletic on loan in the 2023-2024 season, before signing for QPR in the summer of 2024.

Despite quickly establishing himself as a key part of the QPR side, Morrison found first-team opportunities limited this season, making just 12 appearances. The move to Aberdeen offers him a chance to play regular football once again, something he’s clearly relishing. In his first interview as a Don, Morrison shared his excitement: “I’m very happy to be here. I’ve been speaking to Lutz [Pfannenstiel] for a few weeks and, as soon as I knew there was interest, I knew this was where I wanted to come and play football. Being from Scotland, I know Aberdeen is a massive club with a great fanbase and high expectations. I’m really looking forward to coming back home and playing in the Scottish environment again. I need to play games and try to impress, and this opportunity gives me the best chance to do that. Everyone has been great since I arrived and has made me feel very welcome. If we stick together, I’m confident we can end the season strongly. I can’t wait to get going.”

Aberdeen’s need for defensive reinforcements has been pressing. The recall of Alfie Dorrington by Tottenham Hotspur and an injury to Gavin Molloy left the club with just one recognized centre-back, Jack Milne, for their recent Scottish Cup victory over Raith Rovers. Sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel, who knows Morrison from his days in Munich, praised the signing: “I am familiar with Liam from his time playing in the academy in Munich. He is a modern defender who is composed on the ball and strong in the air. He has good experience in the English Championship, and his arrival gives us added depth and quality in a key area of the pitch. As a young Scottish player, he also aligns well with the direction we want to take the squad.”

Morrison’s addition comes amid a period of transition for Aberdeen, who are not only strengthening their squad but also seeking a new permanent manager to replace cup-winning hero Jimmy Thelin. The club recently secured the loan of midfielder Lyall Cameron from Rangers, further highlighting their ambition to remain competitive as the season heads into its decisive stages. Morrison’s move is also seen as a potential stepping stone to a call-up for Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad ahead of the summer’s World Cup, though that remains an outside chance for now.

Both loan deals reflect a broader trend in Scottish football, where young players are increasingly seeking opportunities to play regular first-team football, often through short-term moves. For clubs like Clyde and Aberdeen, these signings offer fresh energy and depth, while for the players, they represent vital stepping stones in their careers. All eyes will now be on McGinlay and Morrison as they settle into their new environments, eager to prove their worth and help their teams achieve their goals in the months ahead.

With the transfer window still open and both clubs facing pivotal fixtures, fans can expect more twists and turns before the season’s end. For now, though, these two young Scots have the stage—and the chance—to shine.