NafisaAfter one of the most captivating Scottish Premiership title battles in recent memory, attention has already turned toward what could be another drama-filled campaign next season.
The pressure is building across the division, with clubs wasting little time in strengthening their squads as they look to gain an early advantage before a ball is even kicked.
For Rangers, there is a growing sense that this summer could define the direction of the club for years to come. Following another frustrating season that ended without the league trophy returning to Ibrox, supporters have demanded decisive action from the board, and early signs suggest the hierarchy are listening.
The arrival of new manager Derek McInnes has only heightened expectations. The experienced Scotsman has inherited a squad capable of competing, but there is also a widespread belief that several additions are needed if Rangers are to finally end Celtic’s dominance at the summit of Scottish football.
With transfer speculation intensifying by the day, the Light Blues appear determined to build a side capable of mounting a genuine title challenge from the opening weekend.
Rangers make early statement in the market
The Gers kicked off the transfer window in impressive fashion by securing a quick agreement for Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland, with the Scotland striker finally completing a long-awaited return to Ibrox after leaving the club as a youngster.
A switch to Glasgow had felt inevitable for some time, while the appointment of McInnes also appeared like a move years in the making after his successful spell at Tynecastle.
Perhaps sensing an opportunity to capitalise on what many view as a vulnerable Celtic side, Rangers have acted aggressively in the market, and there is growing belief that further eye-catching additions could follow before the window closes.
Rangers expected to complete £5m deal for proven star
Andrew Cavenagh has already outlined Rangers’ recruitment strategy for the summer, with the club placing significant emphasis on Scottish or SPFL-proven talent when evaluating potential targets.
One player who fits that profile is Dundee defender Luke Graham, with the 22-year-old centre-back reportedly edging closer to a move to Ibrox.
With only a year remaining on his contract and another strong Premiership season behind him, many expect Graham to leave Dens Park before the new campaign begins.
That same emphasis on players familiar with Scottish football may also extend to individuals who have already excelled at Rangers, including former fan favourite Vaclav Cerny.
According to Football Insider, Rangers are increasingly confident of bringing the Czech winger back to Glasgow, with a £5 million deal potentially enough to secure his services from Besiktas.
The 28-year-old is believed to be open to a reunion at Ibrox, and reports suggest an agreement could be reached within the coming weeks.
Why Cerny could be the perfect partner for Shankland
After years of speculation linking him with Rangers, Shankland has finally arrived, and expectations surrounding the striker are understandably high.
The forward has registered 24 league goals across the last two seasons combined and previously hit that same figure in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, making him one of the most consistent scorers in Scottish football.
However, history shows that thriving at Hearts and succeeding at Rangers are two very different challenges. Several prolific forwards have struggled to replicate their previous form after moving to Ibrox, including former Aberdeen star Bojan Miovski.
That is where a player like Cerny could prove invaluable.
During his loan spell with Rangers in the 2024/25 season, the winger emerged as one of the few standout performers in an otherwise difficult campaign.
Operating primarily from the right flank, he contributed an impressive 18 goals and nine assists in just over 50 appearances across all competitions.
His memorable performances in Old Firm clashes quickly elevated him to cult hero status among supporters.
Beyond his goalscoring ability, however, it is Cerny’s creativity that could make him the ideal teammate for Shankland.
In the Premiership during the 2024/25 season, he created six big chances and averaged an outstanding 2.5 key passes per match. His total of 82 key passes was the highest recorded by any player in the division, ahead of James Tavernier’s tally of 77.
That ability to consistently create opportunities would provide Shankland with the type of service every elite striker craves.
His creative output has continued since moving to Besiktas. Last season, he contributed 13 goals and assists in the Turkish Super Lig while averaging 2.1 key passes per game. His total of 64 key passes ranked fifth across the league.
Those numbers compare favourably to Rangers’ current squad, with no player surpassing his assist tally and only Tavernier matching his average key-pass output.
Bringing the Czech international back to Ibrox could therefore provide the creative spark Rangers have often lacked, while simultaneously forming what could become one of the most dangerous attacking partnerships in Scottish football alongside Shankland.
Neither player may represent a long-term investment, but if their combination helps deliver silverware back to Ibrox after another turbulent campaign, few inside the club will care about that detail.
Nafisa
