Quick Read
- Josh Fowler, 24, completed a six-figure transfer to St Johnstone.
- The striker previously scored 19 goals in 25 games for Queen’s Park.
- St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari identified Fowler as a top priority.
- Fowler expressed delight and readiness for the challenge, aiming for Premiership football.
- He could debut for St Johnstone in Friday’s match against Partick Thistle.
PERTH (Azat TV) – Nineteen-goal striker Josh Fowler has completed a significant six-figure transfer to St Johnstone, confirming his ambition to compete in the Scottish Premiership. The move, finalized on Thursday, January 29, 2026, sees the 24-year-old Queen’s Park star join Simo Valakari’s league leaders, providing a major boost as they push for promotion and potentially marking his debut in their crucial top-of-the-table clash against Partick Thistle on Friday night.
Fowler’s arrival at McDermid Park follows manager Simo Valakari’s decision to make the prolific forward a top priority after the recent sale of Adama Sidebeh to Stockport County. The Englishman, who netted an impressive 19 goals in 25 games for Queen’s Park, expressed his immediate delight and readiness for the challenge ahead.
Fowler’s Premiership Ambition at St Johnstone
Speaking shortly after his move, Josh Fowler underscored the significance of joining St Johnstone. “I’m obviously delighted and it’s a big opportunity for me,” he stated. “We have a goal that we’re all pushing towards and I’m excited to get going.” Fowler highlighted St Johnstone’s reputation as a ‘very well-run club’ and emphasized his belief in his own readiness for the next step in his career. “I feel like I’m ready for this step up and this challenge,” he added, acknowledging the trust placed in him by manager Valakari.
The forward also outlined his commitment beyond just scoring goals. “I obviously want to score goals, but it’s not just that,” Fowler explained. “It’s about intensity, pressing and working hard for my team-mates. I’ll always work hard for them.” He conveyed his hope for a warm reception from the fans, stating, “I hope the fans take to me and I can show what I can do. We all have the same ambitions together – the team and the fans.” His sentiments reflect a clear understanding of the team ethos and the collective goal of achieving promotion.
Boosting St Johnstone’s Promotion Push
St Johnstone’s acquisition of Fowler is a strategic move designed to bolster their attacking options as they lead the Championship table. The club’s push for a return to the Premiership, following their relegation, hinges on consistent goal-scoring, and Fowler’s track record suggests he can provide just that. His 19 goals for Queen’s Park made him their top scorer, despite the club’s struggle in a relegation battle. Queen’s Park’s hand was somewhat forced in the transfer, as Fowler was nearing the final months of his contract and could have departed for free in the summer.
The prospect of Premiership football was a significant draw for Fowler, who was keen on making the move to St Johnstone. Manager Simo Valakari will undoubtedly be banking on Fowler’s goal-scoring prowess to help the Saints secure promotion at the first attempt. The timing of the transfer, just before a critical fixture, underscores the immediate impact the club expects him to have.
The Forward’s Immediate Impact and Debut
With the transfer now complete, Josh Fowler has been granted permission to travel north to finalize his integration into the St Johnstone squad. The quick turnaround means he could potentially make his debut as early as Friday night, in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash against Partick Thistle. This immediate potential for action highlights the urgency and importance of his signing for the club’s current campaign.
His playing style, characterized by intensity and a strong work ethic alongside his goal-scoring ability, is expected to fit well within Valakari’s tactical framework. The addition of a proven Championship scorer like Fowler provides St Johnstone with a renewed attacking threat and depth, crucial for navigating the demanding remainder of the season and achieving their promotion aspirations.
The strategic timing of Josh Fowler’s transfer, securing a proven goal-scorer at a pivotal moment in the Championship season, reflects St Johnstone’s clear intent to capitalize on their strong league position and solidify their bid for an immediate return to the Scottish Premiership.