Five signing priorities for Rangers in the transfer market as Derek McInnes' overhaul lacks key ingredient
A look at some areas the Light Blues need to strengthen before the end of the window
The Derek McInnes revolution is well and truly underway at Rangers however between now and the start of the season, the new manager has admitted there’s still work needing to be done.
After a third place finish in the league last season, it’s no surprise that the seemingly endless cycle of a summer rebuild was on the cards - but the club’s early transfer movement this time around has given supporters encouragement. Since taking over last month, McInnes has completed the signings of Ross McCrorie, Ben Godfrey, Ivor Pandur, Dan Neil, Cammy Devlin and Vanja Dragojevic, to add to Lawrence Shankland, who was already in the building. The manager has already put his own stamp on the team, with emphasis on enlisting a Scottish core and leaders all over the pitch.
With the financial backing of Chairman Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers Enterprise, as well as several rumoured outgoing individuals, Rangers are still looking to bring in some bodies before their season gets underway against Dundee United at Tannadice on July 31. Here’s a look at five areas they should prioritise between now and Transfer Deadline Day:
Creative central midfielder
After the signings of Devlin and Dragojevic, Rangers aren’t short of midfield enforcers, with the likes of Tochi Chukwuani and Mohamed Diomande also patrolling that area. But while these individuals won’t be afraid to put a tackle in, somewhere down the line Rangers will need a creative spark that they’re currently lacking. As Nico Raskin looks headed for the exit door for an eight-figure fee, it would be surprising if a chunk of that wasn’t reinvested in a playmaker.
Centre back
As John Souttar’s exit south of the border looms, Emmanuel Fernandez remains the only centre back who was a regular last season. A left-sided physical presence at the heart of the defence would be beneficial to the new look Rangers team, who under McInnes, are less likely to build from the back at every opportunity. Pace and aggression would be required in this position.
Right winger
In Djeidi Gassama and Findlay Curtis, Rangers have two left wingers who like to cut inside, that can play on the right. While their versatility can only been seen a positive, an out and out right midfielder with particular emphasis on quality and pace could help Rangers go far this season. With four strikers Shankland, Youssef Chermiti, Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski all strong in the air, a player with crossing ability is needed to feed the hitmen.
Backup left back
An injury to full back Tuur Rommens during the run-in last season coincided with Rangers’ late season capitulation - and now that Jayden Meghoma has returned to Brentford, there are no obvious replacements. The Belgian has proved to be a more than capable asset going forward and defensively, but should any further mishaps occur, the Light Blues will need cover.
Dead-ball specialist
James Tavernier hit the majority of free-kicks, corners and penalties for Rangers during his 11-year spell at the club. Now that’s come to an end, someone has big shoes to fill. With no players in the current squad standing out as a particular dead-ball specialist, perhaps McInnes will be tempted to bring one in regardless of their position.