Rangers are prepared to sign a £6m forward for McInnes, and I believe he’d be a better signing than Braga.

A New Era Begins at Ibrox

Rangers are preparing for significant changes following the departure of Danny Rohl, whose time at Ibrox came to an abrupt end after a disappointing conclusion to the 2025/26 campaign.

Whether Rohl chose to leave on his own terms or circumstances pushed him toward the exit, the outcome remains the same. The German coach is set to continue his career elsewhere, with a move into the Red Bull football network reportedly on the horizon.

The attraction of working within a structure associated with Jurgen Klopp and the globally recognised Red Bull system is understandable. However, some Rangers supporters may question whether a switch to the Austrian Bundesliga truly represents a step forward compared to managing one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.

Regardless of those debates, Rangers have wasted little time identifying a successor. Derek McInnes appears poised to take charge after guiding Hearts through an impressive campaign that saw them emerge as genuine title contenders.

The experienced Scottish manager has long been linked with a return to Glasgow, and now the opportunity finally looks set to become reality.

McInnes Tasked with Building a Title-Challenging Squad

Once officially appointed, McInnes will immediately face the challenge of constructing a squad capable of mounting a serious challenge for domestic honours.

The early signs suggest Rangers are already moving aggressively in the transfer market. One of their first major pieces of business was securing the signature of Lawrence Shankland, a player who flourished under McInnes at Hearts.

The Scotland international arrives following another productive campaign and is expected to play a central role in Rangers’ plans moving forward.

Shankland’s goalscoring consistency made him one of the Premiership’s most dangerous attackers last season, and his reunion with McInnes could provide Rangers with a strong foundation for the new campaign.

However, further additions are expected as the club seeks to strengthen multiple areas of the squad.

Claudio Braga Continues to Be Linked

One of the most frequently discussed transfer targets since McInnes emerged as Rangers’ preferred managerial choice has been Claudio Braga.

The Portuguese attacker enjoyed a remarkable season at Hearts and played a key role in the club’s unexpected title challenge. Alongside Shankland, Braga formed one of the most effective attacking partnerships in Scottish football.

His performances naturally attracted attention from several clubs, including both sides of the Old Firm divide.

Reports have suggested that Rangers are seriously considering a move, while Celtic are also believed to be monitoring the situation closely. McInnes’ previous working relationship with Braga could potentially give Rangers an advantage if negotiations intensify.

Current speculation indicates that a fee of around £5 million may be enough to secure a transfer. Nevertheless, Hearts may be reluctant to lose another major figure after already seeing both McInnes and Shankland move on.

The Edinburgh club understand the importance of retaining their best players and are unlikely to allow Braga to leave without a significant financial return.

Another Familiar Name Returns to the Conversation

Although Braga remains a prominent target, he is not the only attacking player under consideration at Ibrox.

According to recent reports, Rangers are exploring the possibility of bringing Vaclav Cerny back to Glasgow following his successful previous spell with the club.

Football Insider claims that Rangers are giving serious thought to a move for the Czech international if the financial conditions become favourable.

At present, Besiktas are believed to want to recover the £6 million they paid to sign Cerny from Wolfsburg just one year ago. That valuation could complicate negotiations and make any potential deal challenging.

Rangers’ recruitment strategy in recent years has largely focused on younger players who offer future resale potential. Cerny, at 28 years of age, does not necessarily fit that model.

However, exceptions can sometimes be made when a player has already demonstrated his ability to thrive at the club.

Why Cerny Could Be the Better Option

There is little doubt that signing Braga would generate excitement among Rangers supporters.

The possibility of reuniting the attacking partnership that drove Hearts’ title challenge would undoubtedly appeal to McInnes. Braga’s creativity, versatility, and goalscoring ability made him one of the standout performers in Scottish football last season.

The Portuguese forward ended the campaign with 14 league goals and received widespread recognition for his performances, eventually earning the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award.

Despite those achievements, there are reasons why Cerny may represent the superior option.

One factor is age. Braga is approaching his 27th birthday and therefore cannot be considered a long-term developmental project. Like Cerny, he falls into the category of players unlikely to generate a substantial profit through future resale.

If Rangers are unlikely to make significant money from either player in the future, immediate impact becomes the most important consideration.

That is where Cerny holds a significant advantage.

Proven Success in a Rangers Shirt

Unlike Braga, Cerny has already demonstrated that he can succeed under the intense pressure that comes with representing Rangers.

During his previous spell at Ibrox, the Czech winger emerged as one of the team’s most consistent performers despite a difficult season overall.

While several high-profile players struggled to meet expectations, Cerny consistently delivered quality performances and became a fan favourite.

His contribution across all competitions was particularly impressive.

In 52 appearances, he scored 18 goals and provided nine assists, producing 27 direct goal contributions from a wide position.

Those numbers compare favourably with almost any winger in Scottish football and underline his importance to the team during that period.

Unlike some loanees who failed to adapt, Cerny quickly embraced the demands of playing for Rangers and consistently rose to the occasion.

Comparing Braga’s Output

Braga’s first season at Hearts was also highly productive.

Across 44 appearances in all competitions, he scored 17 goals and added six assists. Operating primarily as an attacking midfielder or second striker, he regularly influenced matches and developed an excellent understanding with Shankland.

His numbers are certainly impressive and suggest he possesses the quality required to perform at a high level.

However, there remains an element of uncertainty surrounding his long-term consistency.

Before arriving in Scotland, Braga had spent much of his career playing in the lower divisions of Norwegian football. As a result, his breakthrough season at Hearts represented a significant step up in both competition and visibility.

The question facing Rangers is whether that campaign reflects his true level or whether it was an exceptional season that may prove difficult to replicate.

Cerny’s Career Record Inspires Confidence

In contrast, Cerny’s track record extends beyond a single successful season.

Before arriving at Rangers, he enjoyed an outstanding spell with FC Twente, where he was directly involved in 43 goals across just 78 appearances.

His ability to score and create chances consistently made him one of the most effective attacking players in Dutch football during that period.

Even after leaving Glasgow, he has continued producing strong numbers.

At Besiktas, he has already contributed 15 goals and assists in his first 34 matches, proving that his quality remains intact and that he can perform successfully in different environments.

Those achievements provide additional reassurance for any club considering investing in him.

A Statement Signing for the McInnes Era

Braga would undoubtedly be an exciting acquisition and could once again flourish under McInnes’ guidance.

His familiarity with the manager’s system and his partnership with Shankland offer obvious advantages.

Yet when comparing the two options, Cerny appears to represent the safer and potentially more impactful investment.

He already understands the expectations at Rangers, has delivered consistently at Ibrox, and possesses a proven record of producing goals and assists at multiple clubs.

Most importantly, supporters know exactly what they would be getting.

For a manager entering a new role and aiming to challenge for trophies immediately, reliability can be just as valuable as potential.

If Rangers are presented with the opportunity to bring Cerny back to Glasgow at a reasonable price, it could prove to be one of the most significant signings of the summer and perhaps an even stronger statement than the capture of Claudio Braga.