The summer is an interesting one for Rangers. In truth, it always is. Once again, we find ourselves with more questions than answers, with more gaps to plug than names locked into squad spots.
There is a lot of anxiety over the decision to keep Danny Rohl, with most on social media strongly against it. That makes the backdrop to any signing difficult. Lawrence Shankland, however, managed something that is extremely rare among the support. In the face of that feeling, he united almost the entire fanbase, with near universal agreement that he should be signed and real delight when he arrived.
This is where it becomes a topic for debate. Everyone has their own thoughts on where Rangers must strengthen and who they should target. I have my own preferences in terms of positions, but when it comes to individuals I am happy to leave that to the experts. What is consistent is that they must get this window right as far as possible. The blend of experience and potential has to be correct and, crucially, Rangers must be ready to go in a little under two months’ time.
In that period, Rangers must rebuild a squad that does have some shoots of promise. Chermiti, Fernandez, Rommens, Chukwuani, Raskin, Curtis, Shankland, Sterling, Naderi and Gassama are examples of players the support can get behind. Around them, though, there are many in the keep or go category without much resistance either way. Some of those may be subject to significant bids, Fernandez, Chermiti and Raskin among them.
Not all will go, however. Thelo Aasgaard is in the uncertain category, as are Oliver Antman, Mohammed Diomande, Jack Butland and Bojan Miovski. Decent offers may make Rangers more open to doing business. Others, such as Liam Kelly, John Souttar and Connor Barron, may remain due to homegrown and European squad considerations. It could be time up, though, for the likes of Nedim Bajrami, Danilo, Lyall Cameron and Ross McCausland, who appear to be on the periphery and may be moved on as new faces arrive.
There has already been significant turnover. Mikey Moore, James Tavernier, Andreas Skov Olsen, Nasser Djiga, Derek Cornelius, Leon King, Rabbi Matondo, Ben Davies, Kieran Dowell, Jayden Meghoma, Max Aarons and Kieran Wright have all left the club from the team that started last season. Add Clinton Nsiala, Jose Cifuentes and potentially Bailey Rice, and Rangers exits could move into the high teens by the end of the summer. That is a lot of change, with more still to come.
So what do Rangers actually need? Much depends on who leaves. As it stands, the squad sits at around 22 players, which is ideal if everyone is fit, available and performing. However, if Rangers move on Bajrami, Danilo, Cameron and McCausland, and potentially a few more such as Antman or Diomande for the right fee, that number could quickly drop closer to 16. At that point, the need for recruitment becomes significant, possibly in the region of eight new players.
The debate over priorities is extensive and often comes down to personal preference. For me, Rangers need specialist quality.
The most high-profile change could come in goal. Butland has shown he is capable of outstanding saves, but there have also been concerns around both his distribution and consistency. Recent goals conceded at home to Motherwell and Hibs highlight that issue. A new goalkeeper should be a serious consideration.
Rangers also need a dominant centre-back, a leader and a strong partner for Fernandez. Luke Graham of Dundee would be an interesting option, naturally left-sided and Scottish, he ticks several boxes, although there will be competition for his signature. Alongside him, Rangers need an experienced, commanding centre-back who can immediately organise and lead the defence. That would give the team a solid base.
Midfield remains an issue. The balance is not right and there is a clear need for a specialist number six. Rangers require someone who can control games, dictate tempo and recover possession. Too often last season, leads were surrendered too easily, with the team looking vulnerable after a single setback. A reliable midfield anchor is essential.
Further forward, a right winger feels necessary. Someone natural to the position, capable of producing goals and consistently contributing, while also working hard out of possession. In essence, a player in the mould of Vaclav Cerny, or as close to that profile as possible, and this time one who can be retained.
There are other areas to address. Cover for Rommens is needed, as is a reliable right-back given the ongoing concerns over Sterling’s fitness. An additional number eight who can contribute goals from midfield would also improve the overall balance, as would increasing the goal threat across the team.
Read more:
- Rangers' transfer requirements and what Danny Rohl will need in every position
- Bojan Miovski opens up on Rangers future and what frustrated him last season
This is, once again, a significant summer for Rangers. It may not feel like it should be, but the reality is another rebuild is under way.
That cycle has to end. For Andrew Cavanagh, in particular, there will be a hope that this is the window that finally brings stability. It will be an expensive summer, but it cannot be expensive in terms of mistakes.
If it is, Rangers risk falling into the same pattern again, chasing rather than leading. That cannot be allowed to happen.
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