NafisaFor weeks, much of the conversation surrounding Rangers has centred on what Derek McInnes would do once he officially took control at Ibrox.
The former Hearts manager walked into a club desperate for stability, fresh ideas and, perhaps most importantly, immediate improvement after another frustrating domestic campaign.
Supporters have been eagerly waiting for signs that the new boss would be backed in the transfer market, particularly after watching rivals strengthen while Rangers continue their rebuild.
There has been no shortage of speculation regarding potential arrivals. Some reports have linked the club with experienced Premiership performers, while others have suggested Rangers could once again explore opportunities in England.
What has become increasingly clear, however, is that McInnes wants players he can trust. Individuals who understand Scottish football, know what it takes to handle pressure and possess the character required to thrive at one of the biggest clubs in the country.
That strategy now appears to be taking shape.
And the first major move of the McInnes era looks all but complete.
Rangers have reportedly agreed a package worth around £900,000, plus performance-related add-ons, to bring Ross McCrorie back to Ibrox from Bristol City.
The Scotland international is set to become one of the first major additions under Derek McInnes, with the new Rangers boss successfully convincing his former Aberdeen player to make the move back to Glasgow.
According to reports, Rangers beat interest from several English clubs to secure the versatile defender’s signature, highlighting just how highly McCrorie remains rated despite spending the last few years south of the border.
The 28-year-old is expected to sign a long-term contract and complete a remarkable return to the club where his professional career first began.
McInnes Reunites With Trusted Former Aberdeen Star
For McInnes, this is more than simply adding another body to the squad.
The Rangers manager knows exactly what McCrorie can bring.
The pair previously worked together at Aberdeen, where McCrorie became an important player under McInnes before earning his move to Bristol City.
That familiarity could prove crucial as Rangers look to hit the ground running next season.
McInnes is fully aware of McCrorie’s strengths, versatility and mentality, making him an ideal player to help establish the standards the new manager wants at Ibrox.
While many supporters will remember McCrorie as a defensive midfielder during his first spell at Rangers, his game has evolved significantly over the years.
Recent seasons have seen him excel at right-back, although he remains capable of operating in several positions across the defence and midfield.
That adaptability makes him an extremely valuable addition.
Full Circle For Former Rangers Academy Graduate
McCrorie’s journey has now come full circle.
After progressing through the Rangers youth ranks alongside his brother Robby, he made more than 50 appearances for the first team before departing in search of regular football.
His move to Aberdeen allowed him to mature as a player, while his subsequent transfer to Bristol City elevated his profile even further.
Strong performances in England earned him international recognition with Scotland and established him as one of the Championship’s more dependable performers.
Now he returns to Ibrox as a far more experienced and complete footballer than the teenager who originally broke into the Rangers side.
Rangers Continue Busy Summer Rebuild
McCrorie is expected to follow Lawrence Shankland through the door as Rangers continue an aggressive summer recruitment drive.
The club’s hierarchy, led by chairman Andrew Cavenagh, are determined to avoid another disappointing campaign and have already made it clear that significant changes are planned.
McInnes recently outlined the club’s recruitment philosophy, stressing the importance of targeting players who are both attainable and capable of making an immediate impact.
“What we’ve got is a recruitment team that will liaise with you constantly. We identify the key positions that we feel we need to bring.
“Within that, there are conversations getting had and work to be done to try and bring first port of call was affordability and accessibility to bring players here. There’s no point in fishing in ponds that we’re not going to be able to bring players in and waste too much time. So we quickly arrive at maybe a list of players that we can get.”
McCrorie certainly falls into that category.
He knows the league. He understands the expectations. And perhaps most importantly, he already has the trust of the man now leading Rangers.
With the deal reportedly agreed and only final formalities remaining, Rangers supporters may not have to wait much longer before seeing one of their own officially return to Ibrox.
Nafisa
