Rangers manager Derek McInnes has admitted there is still work to do in the transfer market despite completing six summer signings. With only 18 days until the Premiership season kicks off at Tannadice against Dundee United, the Light Blues are racing to finalize their squad for the title challenge.
Priority One: Strengthening the Spine
McInnes has focused on reinforcing Rangers' soft center, which he identified as a weakness during his time as Hearts manager. The arrivals of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, centre-back Ben Godfrey, midfielders Dan Neil and Cammy Devlin, utility man Ross McCrorie, and striker Lawrence Shankland have added steel to the squad. However, McInnes acknowledges that stage two of his recruitment drive must target flair players to provide cutting edge.
Recruitment Chief Tasked with Attacking Upgrades
According to Record Sport, recruitment chief Dan Purdy has been instructed to find better quality in wide attacking areas. With only a net spend of around £4 million so far, McInnes plans to use the remaining budget to address this issue. He also wants a difference-maker in midfield, with targets including Tromso's Jens Hjerto-Dahl (valued at £8.5 million), Partizan Belgrade's Vanja Dragojevic, and former Aberdeen captain Lewis Ferguson.
Nico Raskin's Future Key to Midfield Spending
Further midfield moves may depend on Nico Raskin's future. The Belgian international has impressed at the World Cup, enhancing his value with two years left on his Ibrox deal. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh is reluctant to spend significantly on midfield until funds from a potential Raskin sale are secured, especially with 10 players already capable of operating through the middle.
McInnes Plans to Trim Squad
McInnes confirmed the need to thin out his current 28-man group. John Souttar and Danilo have been left behind in Glasgow as they near exits. Jose Cifuentes, Clinton Nsiala, and Ross McCausland have no future at the club, while Lyall Cameron must impress to save his career. Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron, Nedim Bajrami, Oliver Antman, and Bojan Miovski have been advised to seek options elsewhere. However, Rangers are in no rush to sell Youssef Chermiti, who is seen as a major asset alongside Shankland.
Hardline Stance on Negotiations
New CEO Jim Gillespie has signaled a tougher approach to negotiations. Lyon's £20 million bid for Chermiti was rejected, and a return for Vaclav Cerny seems unlikely due to wage demands. Cerny, who earned over £40,000 a week at Besiktas, may be out of Rangers' price range for a permanent deal.
