NafisaRangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh has delivered a major transfer update that will have supporters dreaming of an even busier end to the summer window.
The Gers have already welcomed nine new faces to Ibrox since the appointment of Derek McInnes, with the Rangers hierarchy clearly determined to give the new manager the tools required to rebuild a squad capable of challenging at the top of Scottish football.
But the early results have raised fresh questions.
McInnes remains without a competitive victory after his first three games in charge, with a draw against Dundee United followed by defeats to Jagiellonia Bialystok and Hibernian.
Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Hibs at Ibrox was particularly frustrating, with Rangers twice finding themselves behind before conceding a dramatic late winner.
The pressure is therefore beginning to build.
However, there is no suggestion that Cavenagh is losing faith in his manager.
Far from it.
The Rangers chairman appears more determined than ever to continue backing McInnes, and his latest comments suggest the squad overhaul at Ibrox is nowhere near finished.
In fact, Rangers supporters could be in for several more arrivals before the transfer window closes.
Cavenagh made the revelation during Monday’s shareholder meeting, where he was asked about the club’s recruitment strategy and the work still required to transform the squad.
The chairman acknowledged that nine additions have already been made but admitted Rangers still have areas that need strengthening.
And then came the revelation that caught everyone’s attention.
“We have a bias to Scottish players and people with SPFL experience,” Cavenagh said.
“We’ve added three players who used to be captains, we’ve added some older players.
“But you can see things are a bit clunky. The transfer market is not like a supermarket where you go pick a winger off the shelf. You have to wait for things to move.
“I’d say three to five players are still to come in and a number will go out.”
That final sentence was met with applause from the Rangers supporters in attendance.
Three to five more signings.
That would potentially take Rangers to as many as 14 new arrivals during what has already been an extraordinary summer of change at Ibrox.
It also provides a major indication of just how seriously Cavenagh and McInnes are taking the current shortcomings.
The chairman is clearly not expecting the existing squad to simply solve all of its problems overnight.
Instead, Rangers are prepared to continue working in the transfer market while simultaneously moving players out who no longer fit the manager’s plans.
So where could those remaining additions arrive?
Rangers still have transfer work to do in defence
One obvious area for improvement is the back line.
Rangers have already added significant experience to their defensive options, but injuries and squad uncertainty have quickly highlighted the need for further reinforcements.
Ben Godfrey has already suffered an injury, while John Souttar is widely expected to be allowed to leave if the right opportunity arrives.
That could leave McInnes wanting another central defender before deadline day.
The full-back positions could also require attention.
Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic has emerged as a player reportedly attracting interest from Rangers, while McInnes could also be looking for additional cover on the left.
Tuur Rommens has been involved heavily, but the lack of convincing alternatives could become a problem over a long campaign.
Clinton Nsiala has not appeared to be a major part of McInnes’ plans so far, adding further weight to the possibility that Rangers will look for another option.
But perhaps the most obvious area requiring immediate attention is out wide.
Rangers need more attacking threat
The leading target currently appears to be PSV Eindhoven winger Couhaib Driouech.
Rangers have been strongly linked with the 24-year-old Moroccan and are reportedly hopeful of reaching an agreement around the £7million mark.
However, competition for his signature remains significant.
Driouech has also attracted interest from elsewhere, meaning Rangers cannot afford to wait indefinitely if they are serious about bringing him to Glasgow.
Another possibility could be Vaclav Cerny.
The Czech winger has been linked with a return to Rangers for much of the summer, and with interest in Fares Ghedjemis seemingly cooling, Cerny’s name could once again become increasingly relevant.
McInnes has already made it clear that he wants greater attacking options, and Cavenagh’s comments suggest the club are prepared to provide them.
That is particularly important after Rangers’ opening three competitive matches exposed a lack of consistency and creativity in the final third.
The defeat to Hibernian only intensified those concerns.
Rangers dominated periods of the game but failed to turn possession and pressure into enough clear opportunities, while the late concession once again exposed weaknesses at the other end.
Cavenagh’s comments therefore come at a significant moment.
Rather than telling supporters that they need to be patient with the existing squad, the chairman has effectively admitted that more work is required.
Three to five more players could arrive.
And that could mean Rangers are only halfway through the transformation McInnes was brought in to oversee.
There will also be departures.
Cavenagh specifically indicated that “a number will go out”, meaning the final weeks of the window could involve significant movement in both directions.
For McInnes, that could be crucial.
The Rangers boss has inherited a squad containing a mixture of new signings, established players and individuals whose futures remain uncertain.
Finding the right balance will take time.
But the message from the chairman is clear.
Rangers are not finished.
Despite the disappointing start, Cavenagh remains committed to his manager and appears willing to continue investing in the squad.
And if the chairman’s prediction proves accurate, supporters could soon be watching another three, four or even five new players walk through the doors at Ibrox.
The summer rebuild, it seems, still has plenty of twists left.
Nafisa
