Rangers starting XI if six transfer rumours are true as club hero returns in team featuring 10 summer signings
Here’s what one version of the Rangers team could look like based on summer signings and transfer rumours.
Rangers have had a frantic summer and more business is expected under boss Derek McInnes.
A friendly with West Ham awaits on Sunday before Premiership business begins less than a week later at Dundee United. 49ers Enterprises and chairman Andrew Cavenagh have backed their new gaffer in the transfer market with the likes of Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin and others recruited for their title bid.
Exits are also likely - with strike Danilo the latest out the door - but that will only open up vacancies in McInnes’ ranks. With new signings included and rumours factored in, here’s how Rangers could end up looking at the end of the window.
GK - Ivor Pandur
Croatian keeper has replaced Jack Butland as number one this summer. No more goalkeeping additions look likely.
RB - Ryan Alebiosu
Worked with McInnes at Kilmarnock and Blackburn Rovers stint has reportedly sparked transfer interest. Rangers in search of a James Tavernier replacement and have already signed Ross McCrorie for cover across defensive positions.
CB - Ben Godfrey
Atalanta defender has signed on loan with option to buy. Big season for him to see if he can recapture form of Norwich City spell.
CB - Olwethu Makhanya
Philadelphia Union defender is on option Rangers reportedly have for further central defence bolstering. Has said to have gone AWOL as he looks for a move.
LB - Corrie Ndaba
Tuur Rommens has impressed since his January arrival but has had injury issue. Ndaba, who worked with McInnes at Kilmarnock, has been with Lecce in Italy. Rumoured to be a player Rangers have their eye on.
RM - Vaclav Cerny
Rangers most likely will play a 4-4-2 under McInnes and talk of the Czech winger who spent the 24/25 term at Ibrox has been rife. Besiktas may demand a big fee but would be a popular signing.
CM - Vanja Dragojevic
The latest signing by Rangers. Serbian comes highly rated from Partizan Belgrade who he captained at just 19 and 20. Has signed a deal that may extend to 2031 in a show of how much his new side like him.
CM - Lewis Ferguson
Dan Neil and Devlin have also been recruited here but Lewis Ferguson has been the big talking point this summer in terms of marquee capture. Son of ex-star Derek and nephew of club hero Barry, Bologna ace would add obvious quality in midfield, and worked with McInnes at Aberdeen.
LM - Amario Cozier-Duberry
Brighton winger has turned heads with a loan to Bolton Wanderers. Rangers in need of wide players and reportedly one of the teams in the race.
ST - Youssef Chermiti
A bit of dubiety over Chermiti’s future amid Lyon links but he grew into his role at Ibrox. The only player in this team who remains from last term as he could be a good foil for who comes next in this team...
ST - Lawrence Shankland
Scotland forward was McInnes’ go-to man at Hearts last season. It’ll likely be the same again this term now he has taken up a role with his boyhood team.