Rangers have exploded out the blocks this summer as they undergo a transformation aimed at winning their first Scottish Premiership title in six years. A third-place finish last season necessitates drastic improvement across all areas, and major changes have already been implemented. The most significant is the appointment of Derek McInnes, who led Hearts to within minutes of an historic title last season before losing to Celtic, replacing Danny Rohl.
Summer Overhaul Underway
Rangers have started pre-season without James Tavernier for the first time in 11 years, while goalkeeping coach Sal Bibbo is heading to Coventry City, poised to be replaced by Ibrox legend Allan McGregor. Set-piece specialist Scott Fry has moved to Birmingham City. McInnes has brought his former Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland along the M8, while Dan Neil joined keeper Ivor Pandur, Ben Godfrey, and Ross McCrorie in signing at Ibrox. However, plenty of work remains in the transfer market, with speculation surrounding Lewis Ferguson, Cammy Devlin, Bryan Reynolds, and Mikey Moore, while Nico Raskin's future appears uncertain and Manny Fernandez attracts interest.
Dream Starting XI
The first Scottish Premiership game is at Tannadice on Friday, July 31. Here, Record Sport looks at how the Light Blues could line up if McInnes pulls off a dream summer transfer window.
Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur
Jack Butland served Rangers well during his three years, but there were question marks over him, and the position needed upgrading. In £6 million Croat Pandur, Rangers have done that—on paper at least—with a keeper seven years younger who was instrumental in helping Hull City reach the English Premier League via the play-offs last season.
Right-Back: Bryan Reynolds
Replacing James Tavernier is a huge task given his immense contribution over more than a decade at Ibrox. His goal involvement numbers for a full-back were incredible, not to mention his influence in the dressing room. USA international Bryan Reynolds appears to be the target, and Record Sport understands Rangers had an initial £2.5 million offer accepted for the 24-year-old, but Rennes upped the ante with a bid of around £3.3 million. Ross McCrorie, also signed, can play right-back, but the Westerlo defender remains on the radar.
Centre-Back: Ben Godfrey
The England cap has signed and is already working after his loan move from Atalanta, who paid £11 million to sign him from Everton. Rangers hope he can recapture the form that earned him that move to Serie A and two England senior caps.
Centre-Back: Emmanuel Fernandez
A revelation for Rangers last season after taking time to get his chance following his summer move from Peterborough. However, speculation surrounds the Nigeria international, with Stade Rennes the latest club linked with a move for the defender.
Left-Back: Tuur Romens
The Belgian was the most impressive of the winter signings last season and will benefit from a full pre-season. He picked up an injury at a crucial time in the title run-in last season and was a big miss. He is a nailed-on starter at left-back.
Midfield Reinforcements
Midfield: Lewis Ferguson
A transfer link that will not go away. Ferguson was on the books at Rangers as a kid, and letting him leave proved a big mistake. There is an obvious Ibrox connection with his father Derek and uncle Barry, and McInnes worked with him at Aberdeen. The good news is that Serie A side Bologna are reportedly willing to let their captain go—the bad news is it will only happen if a bidder meets their asking price of £17 million.
Midfield: Dan Neil
Nico Raskin is being linked with a big-money move away from Ibrox, and if Rangers can bank double-digit millions for the tenacious Belgian, replacing him with free agent Neil would be shrewd business. Rangers clinched a deal for the Sunderland man, who looked Southampton-bound. Cammy Devlin is also available on a free and on the radar after working with McInnes at Hearts, but has options in the MLS.
Midfield: Mikey Moore
Moore loved his time at Ibrox on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last season, and the feeling was mutual as fans took to the winger. He could return to Glasgow, and it would be a major coup. Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi reportedly wants a closer look at the teenager during pre-season, and the good news is the north London club do not want to sell him permanently—likely pricing Rangers out of a move—but are open to loaning him out again.
Attacking Options
Winger: Vaclav Cerny
The Czech was a fans' favourite during his loan spell from Wolfsburg two seasons ago, netting 18 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances. Rangers passed up the chance to sign him for £6 million permanently, which looked like a mistake based on last season's evidence of alternative signings. Cerny moved to Besiktas, but the Turkish Super Lig side are reportedly open to doing a deal.
Striker: Youssef Chermiti
A huge-money signing from Everton 12 months ago in a total deal worth around £10 million. The Portugal Under-21 striker took a while to get going but showed he can be a big-game player with some huge goals against Celtic and Hearts. He will benefit from a year in the Premiership and will have a massive role to play this season.
Striker: Lawrence Shankland
The Scotland striker was first in the door in a rapid and shock signing from Hearts when the season was barely over. Shankland bagged 24 goals last season, and his experience of the Premiership will be vital, having worked so well with McInnes at Tynecastle.
Substitutes
Liam Kelly, Ross McCrorie, John Souttar, Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron, Djeidi Gassama, Thelo Asgaard, Tochi Chukwuani, Oliver Antman, Cammy Devlin.
