NafisaRangers’ summer rebuild has shown no signs of slowing down, but not every headline at Ibrox has been about new arrivals. While Derek McInnes has welcomed several fresh faces through the doors in Glasgow, there has also been plenty of work going on behind the scenes to reshape the squad and generate the resources needed for the next phase of his project.
The new manager has made it clear from the outset that simply adding players would not be enough. Difficult decisions had to be made, and several members of last season’s squad were informed they would be free to seek new opportunities if suitable offers arrived.
That approach has already begun to pay off.
With Rangers still determined to strengthen before the transfer window closes, particularly in the attacking areas, supporters have been waiting to see whether another departure would provide McInnes with additional room to manoeuvre in the market.
It now appears that moment has arrived.
The Ibrox club have completed a permanent transfer that not only trims the squad but also brings in a healthy profit, handing McInnes another financial boost as he looks to reshape his options before the Scottish Premiership campaign gets fully underway.
The timing is significant.
Only days ago, McInnes openly admitted that Rangers still need greater creativity and more players capable of winning one-on-one battles in the final third.
“I do think in those creative moments, we need the ability to penetrate more, create a wee bit more and more people who can isolate one-v-one,” he told Sky Sports.
“We’ve got good players here, but it’s an area we can improve on and hopefully we can get that done.”
With those comments fresh in supporters’ minds, Rangers have now confirmed that Oliver Antman has left the club after completing a four-year move to Belgian giants Anderlecht.
Although Rangers described the transfer fee as undisclosed, Rangers Review understands the deal is worth more than €4.6 million (£4 million)—allowing the club to make a profit on a player they signed for around €4 million (£3.5 million) from Go Ahead Eagles only last summer.
Antman’s exit had looked increasingly inevitable after he fell down the pecking order under McInnes. Interest arrived from Derby County and Dutch club Twente, but it was Anderlecht who ultimately secured the Finland international’s signature.
His departure represents another sensible piece of business for Rangers.
While the winger never truly established himself in Glasgow, the club have managed to recoup more than their initial investment after just one season, providing valuable funds that can immediately be reinvested into strengthening the squad.
Antman’s spell at Ibrox never really gathered momentum.
Injuries and inconsistent form prevented him from becoming a regular starter, and he finished his Rangers career with one goal—scored against Kilmarnock in February—and four assists across all competitions.
Now attention quickly turns to who could arrive next.
Rangers Review understands the Light Blues are monitoring Coventry City winger Jahnoah Markelo and Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Amario Cozier-Duberry as McInnes looks to add greater attacking quality out wide.
Cozier-Duberry impressed during his loan spell at Bolton Wanderers last season, scoring 10 goals in 41 appearances, while Markelo could become available after struggling for regular football following his move to Coventry.
Meanwhile, Rangers are also pushing to strengthen defensively.
According to The Herald, negotiations continue over a deal worth around €3.5 million (£3 million) for Philadelphia Union defender Olwethu Makhanya, with the South African international viewed as another key addition to McInnes’ long-term plans.
With seven new signings already through the door and more expected before the transfer window closes, Rangers’ business is far from finished.
Antman’s departure may mark the end of a disappointing chapter for the Finnish winger, but for McInnes it could prove to be another important step towards assembling the squad he believes can challenge much more strongly during the 2026/27 campaign.
Nafisa
