Rangers are already preparing to sign the £5m SPFL star for McInnes, and Shankland will be a big fan of him.

Rangers Preparing for a New Era Under Derek McInnes

Rangers are on the verge of entering a fresh chapter as Derek McInnes looks set to become the club’s new manager. Reports suggest the Scottish Premiership giants have agreed a three-year deal with the former Hearts boss, who is expected to replace Danny Rohl ahead of the 2026/27 season.

McInnes enjoyed a successful campaign at Tynecastle, guiding Hearts to a second-place finish in the league. His impressive work in Edinburgh has convinced Rangers that he is the right man to lead the club forward, and preparations are already underway for his arrival at Ibrox.

The incoming manager will not be starting from scratch, however. One familiar face already waiting for him in Glasgow is Lawrence Shankland, who recently completed a permanent move from Hearts. The Scotland international was one of McInnes’ key players during their time together and is expected to play a major role in the Rangers attack next season.

Claudio Braga Emerges as a Key Transfer Target

While Shankland’s arrival has already strengthened Rangers’ forward line, the club may not be finished raiding Hearts for talent. According to reports, Rangers have identified Claudio Braga as a potential summer signing and have already assessed the possibility of bringing him to Ibrox.

The Portuguese forward enjoyed a sensational campaign for Hearts and quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in Scottish football. His performances have reportedly attracted interest from both Rangers and Celtic, setting up what could become one of the most closely watched transfer battles of the summer.

It has been suggested that an offer in the region of £5 million may be enough to test Hearts’ resolve, although the Edinburgh side are unlikely to let one of their most influential players leave without a fight.

McInnes’ close working relationship with Braga could give Rangers an important advantage in negotiations. Having already coached the striker successfully, the incoming manager knows exactly what he can bring to the team and may view him as a perfect addition to his new squad.

Why Lawrence Shankland Would Welcome Braga’s Arrival

One player who would undoubtedly be delighted to see Braga arrive at Ibrox is Lawrence Shankland. The pair formed a highly effective partnership at Hearts and were among the most productive attacking duos in the Premiership.

Shankland thrived under McInnes, scoring 16 league goals during the campaign. His ability to find the net consistently made him one of the division’s standout forwards and demonstrated why Rangers were eager to secure his services.

Braga complemented him perfectly. Rather than operating solely as a traditional striker, the Portuguese attacker combined goals with creativity, movement, and relentless energy. Together, they gave opposition defences constant problems and became the foundation of Hearts’ attacking success.

Their understanding on the pitch developed quickly, allowing them to create chances for one another while maintaining a consistent goal threat throughout the season.

A Partnership That Produced Outstanding Numbers

The statistics highlight just how successful the duo were together.

Shankland finished the league campaign with 16 goals from an expected goals tally of 11.32. Braga was not far behind, registering 14 league goals from an expected goals figure of 14.47.

In addition to his scoring contributions, Braga also demonstrated his ability to create opportunities for teammates. He produced seven big chances during the season, compared to Shankland’s four, while both players contributed three assists.

Braga’s dribbling ability also added another dimension to Hearts’ attack. Averaging one successful dribble per game, he offered a direct threat that complemented Shankland’s more traditional centre-forward style.

Combined, the pair delivered 30 league goals and six assists, numbers that surpassed the output of any attacking partnership Rangers possessed under the previous management team.

Their contributions played a major role in Hearts’ impressive league campaign and helped establish both players among the Premiership’s elite performers.

Premiership Player of the Season Recognition

Braga’s outstanding performances did not go unnoticed. The Portuguese star was rewarded with the Premiership Player of the Season award after an exceptional debut campaign.

Across 38 league appearances, he consistently produced decisive moments, combining goals with creativity and intelligent movement. His overall contribution included 21 combined goals and big chances created, underlining his importance to Hearts.

In all competitions, Braga found the net 17 times and regularly demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the brightest attacking talents currently playing in Scotland.

Winning such a prestigious individual honour only increased his profile and inevitably attracted attention from bigger clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

For Rangers, signing the reigning Player of the Season would represent a major statement of intent as they seek to challenge for domestic honours once again.

Why Braga Could Be Perfect for Rangers

One of the biggest reasons Rangers are interested in Braga is the unique qualities he brings to an attacking unit.

Shankland is at his best when operating as a focal point. He can hold up play, occupy defenders, and finish chances inside the penalty area. However, he benefits greatly from having a mobile strike partner working around him.

That is precisely what Braga provided at Hearts.

The Portuguese attacker constantly stretched defences with his movement, pressed opponents aggressively, and created space for Shankland to exploit. His energy and versatility allowed the Scottish striker to focus on what he does best—scoring goals.

Rangers currently rely heavily on Youssef Chermiti as their primary number nine. Like Shankland, Chermiti is more of a traditional centre-forward who thrives when leading the line.

Adding Braga would give Rangers a different profile of attacker and create greater balance in the final third. His ability to drift into pockets of space, carry the ball forward, and link play could make him an ideal partner for either Shankland or Chermiti.

A Deal That Makes Sense for All Parties

From a footballing perspective, a move for Braga appears logical. He is already familiar with the demands of Scottish football, meaning there would be little adaptation period required.

His previous relationship with McInnes and Shankland could also help him settle quickly at Ibrox, allowing Rangers to benefit from an established understanding between key attacking players.

The challenge, however, will be convincing Hearts to sell another important figure to a direct rival. Losing McInnes and Shankland was already a significant blow, and parting with Braga would further weaken a squad that exceeded expectations last season.

Nevertheless, Rangers may believe the opportunity is too good to ignore. Braga has proven his quality in Scotland, possesses significant room for further development, and could immediately improve the team’s attacking options.

If Rangers can strike an agreement with Hearts, they would be securing one of the Premiership’s most influential forwards. More importantly, they would be reuniting a partnership that has already demonstrated its ability to deliver goals, create chances, and drive a team toward success. For McInnes, Shankland, and Rangers supporters alike, Claudio Braga could be the ideal addition to launch a new era at Ibrox.