NafisaThe summer transfer window has already brought plenty of optimism to Rangers supporters, but there is still a widespread feeling that Derek McInnes is only part-way through reshaping his squad for the challenges that lie ahead.
With expectations growing ahead of another Scottish Premiership title race, recruitment remains firmly at the top of the agenda at Ibrox. While several fresh faces have already arrived, work behind the scenes has continued at full speed as the club attempt to strike the right balance between strengthening key positions and trimming the current squad.
Like many clubs across Europe, Rangers know the final weeks of the transfer window are often the busiest. Incoming deals are expected to continue, but departures will also play an important role as McInnes looks to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
The Light Blues have already secured six new signings during the current transfer window.
McInnes has wasted little time reinforcing his squad, bringing in players he believes can help mount a genuine challenge at the top end of Scottish football this season.
The most recent arrival was Cammy Devlin, who joined from Hearts after following former manager McInnes to Ibrox.
He joins fellow summer recruits Lawrence Shankland, Ivor Pandur, Ben Godfrey, Dan Neil and Ross McCrorie as Rangers continue their squad overhaul.
Despite those additions, McInnes is understood to believe further reinforcements remain necessary before the window closes.
According to Rangers Review, the manager has instructed the club’s recruitment department to focus on identifying a right-sided winger and a left-footed central defender as priority targets.
Another midfielder is also reportedly under consideration, despite Devlin’s recent arrival strengthening that department.
While the scouting team continue compiling potential targets, the final decision over who arrives at Ibrox will rest with McInnes.
Several names have already emerged as possible options.
Among those linked are Partizan Belgrade midfielder Vanja Dragojevic and Norwegian youngster Jens Hjerto-Dahl, whose club Tromso are believed to value at around £8.5 million.
Speaking about Rangers’ transfer activity, McInnes admitted there is still considerable work left to complete before he will be satisfied with his squad.
«”I think we’re having good discussions with the recruitment team.»
«”We’re all kind of singing from the same page, really, about the areas of the team that we need to strengthen.»
«”So probably still a good bit of work to do without putting a number on it.»
«”Really pleased with the work that’s been done.»
«”I think everyone deserves some credit for that.»
«”But on the same token, it’s not enough yet.»
«”We’ve still got work to do and we’re well aware that we need to be as ready as we can be.»
«”Ideally, we’d be as ready as we could be for the first game proper against Dundee United.»
«”But there’s not a team in the country that will be as ready as they want to be for that.»
«”And the squad that it looks like now, to the squad that it looks like when the window closes, I think will be a wee bit different.”»
Those comments suggest Rangers supporters should continue expecting movement before deadline day, with both arrivals and exits likely as McInnes continues putting together the squad he believes can challenge for major honours this season.
Nafisa
