Seven free agent wingers Rangers could sign after injury blow including Ibrox hero and ex Premier League ace

Rangers have been left another attacker short after a new injury blow in the final third.

Following news of Lawrence Shankland’s torn hamstring that looks set to keep him out until 2027, another signing is out for months, Daisuke Yokota. The summer import out wide has injured his groin and will be in London with Shankland for an operation. Badredine Bouanani arrived in the winger department in the closing stages of the transfer window but it was an area manager Derek McInnes was keen to strengthen in the summer.

McInnes said after Wednesday’s 1-0 Premiership win at home vs St Mirren: “Shankland will miss up to four months while Yokota could be out for three. He is due to get the operation tomorrow in London. They've just made the decision that, as I thought they would do. Something Lawrence was likely to do as well, although it's the same level of injury, 2C hamstring in that area, we just feel, because it's been a recurrence really, that minimises, by getting the surgery, it minimises the risk of that happening again.

“I know it can still happen again, but we need to be able to have that confidence for that, and it might take that extra three or four weeks. Unfortunately, he's not alone in London, Daisuke Yokota is getting a groin operation tomorrow as well, which has been quite unusual in the sense that, once we got him scanned on Monday, it showed that he had actually torn the muscle off the tendon in his groin.

“It's such an unpredictable injury, that the surgeon has decided that it needs surgery as well, so he'll be out at a significant time as well, probably reaching to two or three months as well with that. So they're actually getting done one after the other, the surgeon's rubbing his hands, he's getting two for the price of one. It is Shankland first and then Yokota.”

So could there be room for one more addition to help Rangers in terms of wide options? Here are seven free agents they could consider.

Raheem Sterling (Last club - Feyenoord)

A mystery as to what’s happened to the former England regular with vast experience from time at Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Career at a crossroads after an unsuccessful Feyenoord stint in Holland but quality if unlocked is elite level.

Alex Pozo (Last club - Almeria)

Last spotted in Spain, the winger with ability to play right-back was on loan last season with Rangers’ Europa League conquerors, Jagiellonia Bialystok. Helped Almeria into La Liga with over 100 appearances at Spanish top flight level. Only 27.

Solly March (Last club - Brighton)

Was a one-club man at professional level until the summer. 32-year-old is right-sided and would provide a more technical touch on the flanks than searing pace.

Nathan Redmond (Last club - Blackburn Rovers)

Slowly starting to drop down the pecking order in England but quality from impressive stint at Southampton shows what he has in his locker. Whether pace is still a factor as he turns 33 this season is unknown.

Ryan Kent (Last club - Seattle Sounders FC)

It’s the obvious link for any list like this. The former Liverpool talent’s career has gone sideways since leaving Ibrox over two years ago, where he made himself a hero, by winning the title in 2021. Should be in his prime aged 29.

Myziane Maolida (Last club - Al-Kholood)

This one could have some upside. Comoros international shone for Hibs on loan previously and has impressed out in Saudi Arabia at Al-Kholood. Aged 27 with ability to play through the middle too.

Henry Onyekuru (Last club - Genclerbirligi)

Well-travelled Nigerian international recently terminated his latest contract in Turkey. Seems to like seeing the sights of Europe with spells in England, France, Belgium and Greece alongside a foray in Saudi. Has played for some big clubs like Everton, Monaco, Olympiacos and Galatasaray over multiple spells.

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