Scotland Under-21 star is set to become the 10th Scottish player to join the Bundesliga following his permanent transfer to Germany

Dundee United academy graduate Scott Banks is set to become only the 10th Scottish player to compete in the Bundesliga following his permanent transfer to newly promoted St Pauli.

Banks, a Scotland Under-21 winger, had spent last season on loan with St Pauli from Crystal Palace. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short by a cruciate ligament injury in just his third match, limiting him to only four appearances.

Despite the injury setback, the 22-year-old from Linlithgow made a significant impression during his time on the field, prompting St Pauli to offer him a long-term contract. This move allows Banks to continue with the Bundesliga 2 champions as they embark on their journey in Germany’s top division.

 

Scott Banks expressed his satisfaction with joining FC St. Pauli, stating, “It was my express wish to stay at FC St. Pauli. I feel I’m not done here yet and believe I’m in the right place to take the next step in my development. I’m also very grateful to the club and my team-mates for their support over the past year, which wasn’t an easy time for me personally. Finishing the campaign so successfully and the excitement of looking forward to next season in the Bundesliga make it all the nicer.”

Banks, who made only four first-team appearances for Dundee United before moving to Crystal Palace in 2020, had loan spells at Alloa, Dunfermline, and Bradford before joining St. Pauli last year. Despite his move to Selhurst Park, he never featured for Crystal Palace’s first team.

St. Pauli’s sporting director, Andreas Bornemann, commented on Banks’ signing, saying, “Scott showed early last season that he can make us even more unpredictable with his ability. He’s also settled in very well. The perseverance Scott showed in working his way back to full fitness after his serious injury deserves recognition. We’re therefore delighted to have made the deal permanent.”

The previous nine Scots to play in the Bundesliga are: Scott Booth (Borussia Dortmund, 1997-98), Oliver Burke (RB Leipzig, 2016-17), Paul Lambert (Dortmund, 1996-98), Murdo MacLeod (Dortmund, 1987-91), Mark McGhee (Hamburg, 1984-86), Alan McInally (Bayern, 1989-92), Vincent Mennie (Cologne, 1983-86), Brian O’Neil (VfL Wolfsburg, 1998-2000) and Fraser Hornby (2023-24).