NafisaThe summer transfer window often brings uncertainty, but it also presents opportunities for clubs to reshape their future and lay the foundations for a stronger campaign ahead.
At Rangers, the coming weeks are expected to be particularly important. After a season that promised much but ultimately ended in disappointment, attention has already shifted towards recruitment plans, potential arrivals and the overall direction of the club.
Supporters have watched closely as developments have unfolded both on and off the pitch. While transfer speculation usually dominates headlines at this stage of the year, managerial decisions can often have an even greater impact on a club’s ambitions.
With preparations for the new campaign gathering pace, Rangers now appear to be entering another significant period of transition.
The club hierarchy are determined to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum, and work behind the scenes has reportedly been progressing rapidly.
As one chapter looks set to close, another may already be ready to begin.
Rangers preparing for managerial change
Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has reportedly agreed a deal to take over at RB Salzburg, while Hearts manager Derek McInnes is expected to emerge as the leading candidate to replace the German at Ibrox.
The Rangers board publicly maintained their support for Rohl during a difficult spell that saw the club suffer four straight league defeats, a sequence that ultimately derailed their title ambitions and increased scrutiny from sections of the fanbase.
Despite those setbacks, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss had managed to revive Rangers’ challenge after inheriting a side that endured a slow start to the season under Russell Martin.
However, a disappointing collapse after the league split, combined with two cup defeats against Martin O’Neill’s Celtic, left Rohl facing increasing pressure heading into the summer.
The German’s strong links with the Red Bull football network have long been known.
He began his coaching journey under Ralf Rangnick at RB Leipzig and later worked closely with Ralph Hasenhuttl, experience that appears to have made him an attractive candidate for Salzburg.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed over the weekend that Rangers have already moved swiftly to secure a successor, claiming a “deal done” is in place with only formalities remaining.
McInnes closing in on Ibrox return
McInnes, a lifelong Rangers supporter, famously rejected the opportunity to manage the club during his time at Aberdeen in 2017.
Now, nearly a decade later, the circumstances appear very different.
The 54-year-old has spent just over a year in charge of Hearts after making the switch from Kilmarnock and is now reportedly on course for a return to Glasgow.
With Rangers players due back for pre-season on June 22 and the Premiership campaign set to begin in early August, club officials appear eager to finalise matters as quickly as possible.
Lawrence Shankland has already swapped Tynecastle for Ibrox this summer, but he may not be the only figure linked with Hearts to make the journey.
Rangers targeting Hearts star Claudio Braga
Football FanCast sources understand that McInnes is keen to bring Claudio Braga with him should he complete his move to Rangers.
The Gers are believed to be battling interest from Celtic for the Portuguese attacker, who has been attracting attention for several months.
Landing Braga would represent a major statement of intent from Rangers, particularly if they were able to beat both of their fiercest rivals to his signature.
However, any deal is unlikely to come cheaply.
Hearts reportedly turned down offers in the region of £5 million during the January transfer window, and there is a growing belief that the Edinburgh club would now demand somewhere between £8 million and £10 million to sanction a sale.
While that would represent a sizeable investment, Rangers may feel the player is worth the expense.
Why Braga is attracting so much attention
The 26-year-old enjoyed an impressive season at Hearts and demonstrated remarkable versatility across the attacking third.
Whether deployed as a centre-forward, operating from either wing or playing behind the striker in a number ten role, Braga consistently delivered.
His return of 17 goals and six assists highlights the impact he had throughout the campaign.
In modern football, players capable of performing effectively across multiple positions are highly valued, and Braga has shown exactly that.
Should Rangers proceed with a move, they would be acquiring a player entering the prime years of his career and one capable of adding quality, flexibility and goal contributions to their attack.
With major changes expected at Ibrox over the coming weeks, Claudio Braga could yet become one of the headline additions of a new-look Rangers side.
Nafisa
