NafisaRangers supporters have already seen plenty of movement behind the scenes this summer, with Derek McInnes wasting little time in reshaping the squad he inherited at Ibrox.
After another campaign that ended without the Scottish Premiership title, the focus has quickly shifted toward building a side capable of challenging Celtic and competing consistently across all competitions.
One of the themes emerging from Rangers’ recruitment strategy is versatility. Rather than bringing in specialists who can only operate in one role, the club appears keen on targeting players who offer flexibility and experience. That approach could prove vital over the course of a long season, particularly with domestic and European commitments likely to stretch the squad.
McInnes is also expected to place a strong emphasis on players he knows and trusts. The new Rangers boss has worked with several current transfer targets in the past, and familiarity could play a major role as he looks to stamp his authority on the team during his first few months in charge.
With pre-season preparations gathering pace and transfer discussions continuing across multiple positions, another familiar face now appears to be edging closer to a return to Ibrox.
Ross McCrorie looks set to be heading back to Rangers in what appears to be a very sensible addition on paper.
McCrorie departed the Gers in 2021 after his loan spell at Aberdeen became permanent due to an obligatory purchase clause in the agreement.
Interestingly, it was McInnes who initially brought him to Pittodrie, and now the pair seem poised to reunite once again.
While McCrorie spent much of last season operating as a right wing-back for Bristol City, he has shown throughout his career that he is capable of filling a variety of positions – something McInnes knows better than most.
That adaptability could add significant value to any potential move and provide Rangers with additional tactical flexibility next season.
It also raises an interesting question regarding exactly where McInnes intends to use him.
What is Ross McCrorie’s most-played position?
Rangers Review have reported that McCrorie is moving closer to sealing a return to the Light Blues.
On the surface, it would seem logical that he arrives to strengthen the right-back position after spending most of the previous campaign on the flank.
However, that may not necessarily be where his future lies.
The 28-year-old has occupied several different positions during his career and has frequently been shifted around depending on his manager’s requirements.
According to Transfermarkt, McCrorie’s two most-played roles have actually been as a defensive midfielder (73 appearances) and as a centre-back (67 appearances).
As previously mentioned, he has also featured extensively as both a right wing-back and a conventional full-back.
Remarkably, he has even spent time on the opposite side of the pitch, operating at both left-back and left wing-back during various stages of his career.
Ultimately, McInnes will have no shortage of options when deciding how best to utilise him, with McCrorie effectively offering the Rangers boss a Swiss army knife-style solution across several areas of the team.
Where did McInnes previously play McCrorie?
Because McInnes has already managed McCrorie before, there is perhaps a stronger indication of where he could fit into Rangers’ plans.
Although many assume he is being targeted primarily as a right-back, McInnes often preferred using him in midfield during their time together at Aberdeen.
Under the current Rangers manager, McCrorie featured 19 times as a defensive midfielder.
He also made four appearances on the right side of midfield, three at centre-back and another three in central midfield.
That history suggests there could be more to this potential signing than simply filling a vacancy in defence.
Five years after first working together, McInnes may once again see McCrorie as someone capable of influencing games from the middle of the park.
After spending recent seasons away from central areas, a return to midfield could now be on the cards if the Rangers boss decides to revisit the role that once brought the best out of him.
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