NafisaPre-season planning at Glasgow Rangers is already beginning to take shape, with Danny Rohl expected to oversee a significant reshaping of the squad as the club looks to close the gap on Celtic next term.
There is a growing sense within the support that last season exposed a lack of consistency, particularly in key moments where results slipped away too easily.
Strengthening the spine of the team has therefore become a priority, with recruitment expected to focus heavily on players capable of handling pressure in decisive matches.
Behind the scenes, Rangers’ recruitment team have already been working on multiple targets across different positions, identifying profiles that fit both the manager’s tactical demands and the physical intensity of the Scottish Premiership.
One of the early moves in the window has already given supporters something to get excited about, with the club moving quickly to secure attacking reinforcements before rivals can react.
The signing of Lawrence Shankland for Glasgow Rangers needs to be the first of several major additions to Danny Rohl’s squad during the summer transfer window.
Bringing in a forward who scored 16 goals in the Scottish Premiership in the 2025/26 campaign is an ideal way to kick-start the window, but it must act as a foundation rather than the headline act.
The Light Blues ended the season ten points behind Celtic in the title race and suffered four defeats in their five post-split fixtures, underlining the scale of the rebuild required if they are to compete at the top again.
Another name now firmly in the conversation for a move to Ibrox is Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil, who spent the latter half of the season on loan at Ipswich Town in the English Championship.
It has recently been suggested that Rangers are engaged in ongoing discussions to land the English midfielder on a free transfer, with his contract at the Stadium of Light set to expire at the end of the month.
What Dan Neil can bring to Rangers:
On the surface, it would be easy for supporters to draw comparisons with last summer’s arrival of Joe Rothwell, who joined from Bournemouth after back-to-back promotion seasons in the Championship.
However, that move did not work out as planned, with the midfielder struggling to cope with the pace and physical demands of Scottish football, leading to his early exit under Rohl in January.
Neil, 24, is a dynamic and aggressive central midfielder who would be well-suited to the intensity of the Premiership, offering energy and balance as a box-to-box option for the German head coach.
His numbers in the Championship this season highlight his defensive contribution, particularly his ability to cover ground, press effectively, and win individual duels across the pitch.
At 24, the English midfielder would also represent a low-cost opportunity on a free transfer. Valued at £3.9m by Transfermarkt, he still has plenty of room to grow, which could make him a valuable long-term asset for Rangers.
In fact, there is already a clear example within the current squad of how such a signing can develop into a major success story at Ibrox.
Worth more than Dan Neil: Rangers have hit gold on star:
While Neil could arrive without a transfer fee, his estimated value of £3.9m reflects his current standing and the potential upside if he develops further in Glasgow.
Back in January 2023, Rangers made a smart move to sign Belgian midfielder Nicolas Raskin from Standard Liege for just £1.5m, in a deal that now looks like a masterstroke in hindsight.
Since arriving at Ibrox, the 25-year-old has produced 13 goals and 23 assists in 145 appearances in all competitions, also helping the club lift the League Cup in the 2023/24 campaign.
His valuation has risen sharply during his time in Scotland and now stands at around £10.3m heading into the summer window, representing a dramatic increase from the fee paid three years ago.
While Transfermarkt figures are not an exact reflection of the transfer market, they do highlight the level of development Raskin has experienced and the pathway available for players like Neil who arrive with potential.
Even periods where his form dipped have ultimately contributed to his growth, showing the importance of patience when developing younger midfielders in a demanding environment.
Rangers are also reportedly aware of growing external interest in Raskin, a player they have turned into one of their most valuable assets, and Neil could realistically be viewed as part of a long-term midfield plan should changes occur.
Raskin’s journey from modest signing to key performer is exactly the blueprint Neil would be encouraged to follow if he arrives at Ibrox, with the opportunity to increase both his influence and his market value over time.
Nafisa
