McInnes urges Rangers to secure a stunning marquee signing, dealing a blow to Hearts and Celtic.

Rangers could be preparing to make one of the most eye-catching signings in recent Scottish football history if incoming manager Derek McInnes gets his wish. With Danny Rohl reportedly set to leave Ibrox for RB Salzburg, attention has quickly shifted toward the club’s next chapter, and one of the first major decisions may involve a bold move for Hearts star Claudio Braga.

The Portuguese attacker has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in Scottish football following an outstanding campaign at Tynecastle. Interest from Celtic has been well documented for several months, but McInnes is understood to be eager to bring Braga with him to Rangers if his own move to Ibrox is completed.

Such a transfer would not only strengthen Rangers significantly but would also represent a major blow to both Hearts and Celtic. Taking one of Hearts’ most influential players while simultaneously beating their fiercest rivals to his signature would send a powerful message ahead of the new season.

Danny Rohl Set for Salzburg Switch

The managerial situation at Rangers has developed rapidly in recent weeks.

Danny Rohl appears increasingly likely to leave the club after agreeing a deal to become the new manager of Austrian giants RB Salzburg. The German coach has been heavily linked with the vacancy, and reports suggest that the move is now close to completion.

Rohl’s departure would bring an end to a mixed spell in Glasgow. After arriving at Rangers and inheriting a difficult situation, he initially transformed the club’s fortunes and guided them back into the Scottish Premiership title race.

His impact was particularly notable following a disappointing start to the season under Russell Martin. Rangers looked revitalised under the German and briefly appeared capable of challenging for the league championship.

However, the campaign ultimately ended in frustration.

A sequence of four consecutive league defeats after the split effectively ended Rangers’ hopes of lifting the title. That collapse, combined with defeats to Martin O’Neill’s Celtic in both domestic cup competitions, left many supporters questioning whether Rohl was the right long-term choice.

Despite those setbacks, Rangers’ board publicly supported the manager and remained committed to his project. Nevertheless, the opportunity to join Salzburg appears to have proven too attractive to ignore.

McInnes Poised for Ibrox Return

With Rohl seemingly on his way out, Rangers have moved swiftly to identify a successor.

According to reports, Derek McInnes is now the overwhelming favourite to take charge at Ibrox. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently indicated that an agreement is effectively in place, with only final administrative details remaining before the appointment becomes official.

For McInnes, the move would represent a significant moment in his managerial career.

A lifelong Rangers supporter, he famously turned down the chance to manage the club in 2017 while serving as Aberdeen manager. At the time, he opted to remain at Pittodrie rather than make the move to Glasgow.

Almost a decade later, circumstances appear very different.

McInnes has rebuilt his reputation through successful spells at Kilmarnock and Hearts, establishing himself once again as one of the most respected managers in Scottish football.

After spending just over a year in charge at Tynecastle, he now seems set to take on one of the biggest jobs in the country.

Rangers Preparing for a New Era

Time is already becoming a factor for Rangers.

The majority of the squad are scheduled to return for pre-season training on June 22, leaving little room for uncertainty regarding the managerial position.

With the Scottish Premiership season set to begin during the opening weekend of August, Rangers are eager to ensure preparations are not disrupted.

Recruitment plans are also expected to accelerate once the managerial situation is finalised.

The arrival of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts has already provided supporters with a reason for optimism, but further additions are anticipated before the transfer window closes.

And one player reportedly high on McInnes’ wishlist is Claudio Braga.

Braga Emerging as a Major Target

According to sources, McInnes is determined to bring Braga to Rangers and is prepared to challenge Celtic for the player’s signature.

The Portuguese forward has attracted attention from several clubs after an exceptional season with Hearts, but Celtic have been among the most frequently linked suitors.

However, McInnes hopes to use his existing relationship with the player to convince him that Ibrox is the ideal destination.

Securing Braga would represent a major victory for Rangers in multiple ways.

Not only would they acquire one of the Premiership’s most dangerous attacking players, but they would also deny Celtic the opportunity to strengthen their own squad.

The transfer would be viewed as a statement of ambition and intent from a club determined to reclaim domestic dominance.

Hearts Reluctant to Sell

Completing such a deal will not be straightforward.

Hearts have shown little willingness to part with one of their star performers and previously rejected substantial offers during the January transfer window.

Reports suggest bids worth around £5 million were turned down as the Edinburgh club sought to retain their key players for the remainder of the campaign.

Braga’s value has only increased since then.

As a result, Hearts are believed to be seeking a fee somewhere between £8 million and £10 million if they are to consider selling him this summer.

Such figures would place the transfer among the most expensive deals ever completed by a Scottish club.

For Rangers, meeting those demands would require a significant financial commitment.

How the Transfer Would Compare Historically

Rangers have occasionally invested heavily in players, but transfers approaching the £10 million mark remain relatively rare.

The club’s record signing remains Tore Andre Flo, who arrived from Chelsea in 2000 for a fee of £12 million.

More recently, Rangers spent £8 million to sign Youssef Chermiti from Everton in 2025, making him the second-most expensive acquisition in club history.

Other notable investments include Ryan Kent’s £7 million move from Liverpool, Michael Ball’s £6.5 million transfer from Everton, and deals worth around £6 million for both Mikel Arteta and Danilo.

A transfer for Braga would likely place him near the very top of Rangers’ all-time spending list.

While such expenditure would be significant, there are strong arguments that the player’s quality justifies the investment.

Why Braga Is Worth the Money

Braga’s performances during the 2025/26 campaign demonstrated exactly why he has become one of the most coveted players in Scottish football.

The 26-year-old showcased remarkable versatility throughout the season, operating effectively in almost every attacking role.

He featured as a central striker, played on both flanks and also excelled as an attacking midfielder behind the main forward.

That adaptability makes him an attractive option for any manager seeking tactical flexibility.

His productivity was equally impressive.

Braga scored 17 goals across all competitions while also contributing six assists, underlining his ability to both finish chances and create opportunities for teammates.

Beyond the statistics, his technical ability, movement and intelligence consistently caused problems for opposition defences.

Those qualities have convinced many observers that he possesses the talent required to succeed at an even higher level.

A Potential Statement Signing

Should Rangers complete a move for Braga, it would undoubtedly rank among the biggest stories of the summer transfer window.

The transfer would strengthen the squad considerably, give McInnes an elite attacking option and demonstrate the club’s willingness to compete aggressively in the market.

Perhaps most significantly, it would represent a double victory over two major rivals.

Hearts would lose one of their most influential players, while Celtic would miss out on a long-term target they have reportedly admired for months.

For Rangers supporters eager to see a renewed challenge for silverware, the arrival of Claudio Braga would signal that the club intends to back its new manager and pursue success with genuine ambition.

If McInnes arrives at Ibrox and successfully persuades Rangers to complete the deal, it could become one of the defining transfers of the Scottish football summer.