NafisaThe transfer window is often about more than simply bringing fresh faces through the door. Managers also look to reshape the tactical identity of their squads, targeting players who can unlock different systems and provide greater flexibility over the course of a long campaign.
That appears to be exactly what Rangers are attempting under Derek McInnes. Since arriving at Ibrox, the Scottish manager has moved quickly in the market, but recruitment is still very much ongoing as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season.
While defensive reinforcements have understandably dominated much of the conversation, Rangers are also examining opportunities further forward, particularly in wide areas where McInnes believes there is still room for improvement.
Several attacking names have already been linked with the club, but one player continues to feature prominently in recent reports.
Glasgow Rangers manager Derek McInnes has wasted little time strengthening his squad since taking charge at Ibrox.
The former Aberdeen boss inherited Lawrence Shankland, who had already arrived after scoring 16 Scottish Premiership goals under McInnes during the previous campaign.
Since then, Rangers have completed permanent moves for Ross McCrorie from Bristol City and Dan Neil from Sunderland, while Ben Godfrey has joined from Atalanta on loan with an option to make the move permanent.
However, recruitment is expected to continue before the transfer window closes.
One player repeatedly linked with Rangers is Motherwell winger Elijah Just, who has emerged as a potential addition to increase competition on the right flank.
Why Elijah Just could suit McInnes perfectly
Beyond his ability to contribute goals and assists, there is another important tactical reason why Rangers are keen on the New Zealand international.
Just, who scored three goals for his country during this summer’s World Cup, is a naturally left-footed winger who prefers operating from the right side.
That profile is something currently missing from McInnes’ first-team squad.
Earlier this year, Danny Rohl attempted to solve that issue by bringing in Andreas Skov Olsen during the January transfer window.
However, the Danish winger managed just one Premiership goal before returning to Wolfsburg at the end of his loan spell.
Just would immediately offer Rangers a genuine inverted option on the right, complementing Djeidi Gassama, who operates from the opposite flank as a right-footed attacker cutting inside from the left.
On paper, the 26-year-old appears to tick several important boxes.
Not only has he already proven himself in the Scottish Premiership during his spell with Motherwell, but his preferred foot would also provide Rangers with greater variation in attacking situations.
One Rangers player could suffer
Should Rangers succeed in completing a move for Just, the arrival may have significant consequences for another member of McInnes’ squad.
Oliver Antman joined the Light Blues from Go Ahead Eagles for around £3.5 million last summer as part of Russell Martin’s rebuild.
Unfortunately, his first season in Glasgow never truly gathered momentum.
The Finnish international struggled to establish himself under both Martin and Rohl before eventually finishing the campaign largely as a squad player.
He was an unused substitute in five of Rangers’ final ten Premiership fixtures, making just two starts during that period.
Across those matches he registered only one assist and failed to score.
Overall, Antman concluded the season with one goal and three assists in 16 league appearances, while contributing one goal and five assists across 28 matches in all competitions.
Considering almost all of those appearances came from the right wing, the arrival of Just would place him under even greater pressure for playing time.
Before moving to Rangers, Antman had enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Go Ahead Eagles, recording seven goals and 17 assists across all competitions during the 2024/25 season.
However, he has been unable to reproduce that level of productivity in Scottish football.
Just, by comparison, enters the conversation after delivering 14 goal contributions for Motherwell before enjoying an impressive World Cup campaign with New Zealand, where he found the net three times.
His proven Premiership experience, combined with his left-footed profile, could provide McInnes with a more natural solution on the right side of attack.
Reports earlier in the summer also linked Belgian side Club Brugge with Antman, suggesting there remains external interest in the Finnish winger.
If Rangers eventually complete a deal for Elijah Just, Antman’s path towards regular first-team football at Ibrox could become even more difficult, potentially increasing the chances of an exit before the window closes.
Nafisa
