NafisaRangers supporters have spent much of the summer debating potential arrivals, departures and the direction the club could take under new manager Derek McInnes. With fresh faces expected to walk through the doors at Ibrox and several existing players facing uncertain futures, there is no shortage of talking points around Govan.
The early stages of pre-season are often where important decisions begin to take shape. Managers get their first close look at the squad, young players attempt to force their way into plans, and recruitment teams continue working behind the scenes to strengthen key positions.
For Rangers, there is also the challenge of balancing immediate success with long-term development. The club’s hierarchy have repeatedly stressed the importance of nurturing emerging talent while remaining competitive at the top end of Scottish football. That balancing act could influence several major decisions over the coming weeks.
One player whose name continues to generate discussion among supporters is Mikey Moore.
Mikey Moore remains a major talking point at Rangers
Arriving on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last season as a relatively unfamiliar figure, the exciting winger quickly became one of the most talked-about players at Ibrox.
After finding life difficult during the early part of the campaign under Russell Martin, much like many of his teammates, Danny Rohl managed to bring the best out of the teenager by giving him greater freedom in attacking areas.
Operating primarily from the left flank, the England youth international was allowed to drift inside and influence play in central positions. One of his standout moments came when he found the net at Parkhead during that memorable Old Firm triumph.
Despite the campaign ending on a disappointing note, speculation over a possible return to Glasgow has continued to gather momentum.
Rangers have already made headlines this summer through the appointment of McInnes and the capture of Lawrence Shankland, but further business is expected before the transfer window closes.
Rangers begin shaping the squad for next season
Before making significant additions, clubs often need clarity over the futures of their current players.
One individual whose situation attracted plenty of attention was Bailey Rice. The young midfielder had entered the summer with uncertainty surrounding his future after his contract approached its conclusion.
Having broken into the first-team picture following his move from Motherwell, injuries interrupted his progress last season and led many to believe an exit was on the cards.
However, Rangers have moved to secure his future.
The club confirmed on Monday that Rice has agreed a fresh one-year contract, with Rangers also holding the option to extend it further.
The announcement attracted plenty of positive reactions, including one from Moore himself, who shared a message on Instagram.
“Yes, brother,” he wrote.
What comes next under Derek McInnes?
The Rangers squad are due back at Auchenhowie on Thursday to begin preparations for the new season, although managerial changes and international commitments mean the group will initially be smaller than usual.
Several players remain away on World Cup duty, leaving McInnes with a reduced squad for the opening stages of training.
Rice is expected to be involved, but Moore’s situation remains unresolved.
Reports continue to suggest that Tottenham would be open to another temporary move for the winger, potentially paving the way for a second spell in Glasgow if Rangers decide to pursue it.
At the same time, Rangers have exciting homegrown options emerging through the ranks.
Findlay Curtis has enjoyed a remarkable rise in recent months. His impressive loan stint at Kilmarnock helped him earn a place in Scotland’s World Cup squad, highlighting the progress he has made.
That development naturally raises questions about how Rangers distribute opportunities next season. Bringing Moore back could strengthen the squad significantly, but it would also create additional competition for Curtis and other young talents looking to establish themselves.
McInnes has frequently favoured systems involving two forwards during his managerial career, particularly during his time at Hearts.
If he continues with a similar setup at Rangers, supporters could potentially see Moore and Curtis occupying wide roles behind a strike partnership featuring Shankland and Youssef Chermiti.
For now, that remains speculation, but it is a scenario many Rangers fans would happily welcome as preparations for the new campaign continue.
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