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Rangers’ Edozie contract collapses before the deadline – rumours
In addition to missing the transfer deadline, Rangers were unable to sign Southampton winger Samuel Edozie.(The Scottish Sun), outside
“It’s vital Philippe Clement goes with energy and legs in the centre of the park” in Sunday’s Old Firm derby, according to former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson.(The Daily Record), outside
A second derby loss for Philippe Clement on Sunday, according to former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, could “make the pressure unbearable” for the Rangers manager.(The Daily Record), outside
According to Kris Boyd, Philippe Clement is suffering as a result of years of poor transfer management, and his former team, Rangers, are not as good as they were the previous season.(The Scottish Sun), outside
According to former Ibrox striker Mark Hateley, Sunday’s derby at Celtic Park might finally be Cyriel Dressers’ big moment wearing a Rangers shirt.(The Daily Record), outside
Todd Cantwell, whose departure from Rangers was officially confirmed, has pledged to “let football speak” at Blackburn Rovers.(Scottish Football), outside
After Hearts’ loss to Viktoria Plzen on Thursday prevented them from qualifying for the Europa League, Cammy Devlin expressed his “devastation.”(News Edinburgh), external
Fabrizio Romano: The loan-to-buy deal with Rangers is not going to happen
According to Fabrizio Romano, Rangers will not be able to sign Almeria young player Kaiky.
The well-known transfer reporter told GiveMeSport on August 28 that the Spanish team does not want to sell the exciting Brazilian. The Gers were said to have made a loan-to-buy offer for the player, paying over £600k for the initial loan fee and then £5.9m for the permanent transfer.
This offer was turned down [Fabrizio Romano, August 23], and it looks like there is now no other way to get the 20-year-old centre back.
“I don’t think the Kaiky deal with Almeria is going to happen,” Romano said. “They want to keep the player.”
“They’re not going to take the loan with the buy clause, but I think they will be active in the last few days.”
After Kaiky’s disappointment, Rangers are still in the market.
Rangers have just 48 hours left in the transfer window, and Philippe Clement is desperate to get rid of several stars so that deals can go through.
Lending money to players and then buying them back is quickly growing into its own market as clubs try to meet Financial Fair Play rules and keep players even when they are having trouble selling.
There does seem to be progress as the deadline for deals on Friday night approaches. Scott Wright is reportedly close to moving to Birmingham City [Fourth Official, August 28], and Blackburn Rovers are said to have agreed to a fee for Todd Cantwell [Alan Nixon, August 28].
Rangers Review, August 28: The Light Blues have talked to Sassuolo about a possible loan-to-buy deal for Albanian forward Nedim Bajrami.
Ibrahim Adel, an Egyptian attacker, is said to have received another offer [btolat, August 28]. Clement is looking for a lot of attacking help, even though his team beat Ross County 6–0 last weekend.
This week is going to be crazy on the blue half of Glasgow.
Rangers are expected to sign an impressive deal. Report from Scotland International
There was not a single Rangers player among the Scotland national team’s number when manager Steve Clarke revealed his squad for the Euro 2024 competition.
Ryan Jack, a midfielder for the Gers, was released, and Clarke ultimately decided not to include John Souttar, the only other contender.
It was a devastating blow for Souttar, who overcame several major injury setbacks during his once bright career to establish himself as an Ibrox mainstay.
However, following setbacks at Hearts, Dundee United, and now Rangers, John Souttar is at last establishing some consistency at the centre of the Rangers defence.
Although Steve Clarke may not have supported the 27-year-old centre back during the summer, Rangers now appear prepared to back their top domestic player.
Rangers are going to give John Souttar a new contract.
For the first time, John Souttar has been given consistent playing time by Rangers manager Philippe Clement.
Souttar has been a constant for Rangers this season after participating in 21 straight Scottish Premiership games (18 of which were starts).
Although it’s unclear if Souttar’s exclusion from Scotland was due to a minor injury sustained towards the end of the season, the defender has come back stronger than ever this year.
It has been possible for the defender to take over and establish himself in the right centre-back position since Connor Goldson moved on to Aris Limassol earlier in the summer.
Now one of the first names on the Rangers roster, Philippe Clement is about to end the club’s faltering contract model by negotiating a new agreement with the nine-time Scotland cap defender.
At least that’s what the Daily Record and Scott Burns are saying; they say the Rangers will sign John Souttar to a longer contract, which expires in 2026, in exchange for better terms.
Rangers player demonstrating worth to the team and nation
Rangers fans will be happy to hear that John Souttar will be signing a new deal.
Although the big defender hasn’t always been the centre of the Ibrox defence with confidence, he has clearly improved every season.
There have been indications of more development thus far in this campaign, with Souttar leading the Rangers defence with a number of impressive displays.
Souttar is a strong defender who is familiar with the Scottish Premiership. He is composed when leaving the defence and can fight with the best of them.
The centre back, who is strong in tackles and adept with the ball, is developing into the team’s best defensive option and, dare we say it, a possible captain in the future.
Rangers’ roster features few homegrown players; Scott Wright is rumoured to be leaving Ibrox, while Connor Barron is still settling in Glasgow.
Barron, a summer acquisition, has been predicted for a Scotland call-up, and considering John Souttar’s play, we don’t think the Rangers defender will be far behind.
We just wonder if, after Ryan Porteous’ red card on the opening day of humbling against Germany, Steve Clarke will regret making his Euro 2024 South American call.
£10 million forward admits at “highest level” that Rangers have not transferred in silence
If circumstances had been different eighteen months ago, Morgan Whitaker might already be with the Rangers.
The former Swansea City winger was targeted by Michael Beale as a possible signing for the Rangers, and the Welsh team rejected at least one of the Gers’ bids.
After six months, Morgan Whittaker broke the record for the Plymouth Argyle in a £1 million transfer that now seems like a steal.
The 23-year-old opened the season with a spectacular long-range effort against QPR over the weekend. The player scored 20 goals in the English Championship the previous year.
Rangers have reportedly seen a £7 million Morgan Whittaker package knocked back by Plymouth earlier in the window, as the window approaches its final few days.
The Gers are still searching for a wide attacker, so the forward situation is still very much open.
But Whittaker, the star player for Plymouth, insisted he was just focused on playing football when he spoke to the media after the team’s 1-1 draw with the Rs over the weekend.
even if he acknowledges that he is aiming for a “higher level.”
Morgan Whittaker addresses rumours about a transfer
Talk about Morgan Whittaker is still prevalent among Rangers supporters.
The team has been connected to several wide players, and now that Abdullah Sima has officially moved to Brest, the Gers are anticipated to make an offer this week.
Rangers appeared to be cautioned against making a move by reports earlier in the transfer window, stating that Plymouth values Whittaker at approximately £10 million (Football Scotland).
Rangers’ finances have suffered as a result of their inability to advance to the Champions League, and it is still unlikely that the team will be able to agree to such a large deal.
However, after his incredible strike against QPR, Morgan Whittaker was questioned about his future, and he made it plain that the Pilgrims are his “main focus.”
For the time being, anyway.
According to Whittaker, “I am playing here because that is what I want to be doing” (via Glasgow World). You’re going to want to play as hard as you can because it’s football.
“It will undoubtedly be difficult, but right now I am playing here with my head in this place. That is my primary concern.
Rangers’ Wayne Rooney is praised-forward-linked
Talk of Rangers’ interest in Morgan Whittaker this summer has not been given much attention by Plymouth manager Wayne Rooney.
The legend of Manchester United and England has stated unequivocally that the Championship team would only be persuaded to sell their best player by “crazy” money.
But Whittaker’s goal—his first in just four games this season—shows that the transfer rumours are having an effect at Home Park.
Both the winger and manager Rooney have expressed relief at the strike, as Plymouth needed Whittaker to start playing well to avoid relegation this year.
According to Rooney, “I think he probably needed it,” on Plymouth Live. “I mentioned following the last game—a 1-1 draw against Hull City—that I was really happy with his work rate and that going on a run without goals can occasionally have a minor negative impact on you.
“It was an excellent hit. That’s exactly Morgan. We are confident that he can accomplish that, and since it was a crucial goal for us and came at a good time, we are happy that he hit the mark.
Rangers have been connected to several left-wing players this summer, but after a potentially “serious” development in Portugal, it seems that their interest in Tiago Gouveia has stalled.
Crazy: After Rangers finalised signing, Clement finds the “Really Strange” transfer situation hard to comprehend
Philippe Clement finds it hard to believe that signing Connor Barron will cost Rangers more money than it would have if he had left Scotland.
Despite the disparity in wealth between the two leagues, the manager of the Gers called it “crazy” that it would have been less expensive for the English Premier League to have signed the 21-year-old midfield player and removed him from the Scottish Premiership.
After turning down Ibrox’s offer of compensation for Barron, Aberdeen is going to drag the Light Blues to a tribunal.
“For me it was also a crazy situation because I didn’t know when we were interested in Connor Barron that it’s more expensive to keep a Scottish player in Scotland than if a Scottish player goes to wherever else in the world,” Clement stated, as reported by the Scottish Sun on August 23.
“Up to the Premier League, where they possess an abundance of wealth.” Consequently, keeping him in Scotland will cost more. That is a rule to keep players out of Scotland, in my opinion. Such regulations don’t seem reasonable in Scotland, in my opinion.
Rules must be established to incentivise players to remain in the league, demonstrating to the clubs that doing so will benefit them. That struck me as being extremely strange as well.
Tribunal to be held over Connor Barron between Rangers and Aberdeen
Barron’s performance after being added to the starting lineup right away this season will probably make the final cost seem like a wise investment.
However, it seems that the wrangling with the Dons is an unwanted extra complication in a transfer window where everything counts, as Clement has been forced to sell in order to buy, or not buy because he can’t sell.
However, after Rangers made a “very fair” offer, Ibrox News pundit Derek Ferguson advised Aberdeen to be cautious about what they asked for in a tribunal.
Rangers midfielder Connor Barron applauds at Hampden Park. (Credit: Imago)
Barron was named the Light Blues’ “best” summer addition by former Hibs striker Tam McManus following a “really, really good” start under Clement [PLZ Soccer, August 19]. Barron will probably be viewed as good value even though the transfer isn’t officially free.
Even though Barron wasn’t the Belgian’s biggest concern prior to the deadline, someone at Ibrox undoubtedly ought to have informed the manager about the compensation guidelines if he wasn’t aware of them already.
Although Ben Davies has finally moved to Birmingham City, there are high hopes that additional reinforcements will now be possible. Robin Propper and Vaclav Cerny are the only other recent arrivals to make any real contribution thus far [Daily Record, 23 August].
Gers set Ibrox target, and Bennett wants the Glasgow City Council to have the final say
Rangers had a terrible summer, both on and off the pitch. Philippe Clement had a hard time with the transfer window.
It has been harder than expected for the manager to get the team back together, and they have had to play their home games at Hampden because Ibrox is closed.
Finally, some possible good news came when Rangers said that the league cup match against Dundee on September 21 will take place at a location that has not yet been confirmed.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Andy Newport of The Daily Record says that Rangers have asked Glasgow City Council for a safety certificate. This could give a frustrated fan base a much-needed boost.
Rangers could be set to hand back keys to Hampden after Saturday’s game v Ross Co
Club pushing to return to Ibrox for Dundee on Sept 21 and currently in talks with Glasgow City Council over safety certificateshttps://t.co/QNVefB61Ca
— Andy Newport (@AndyNewportDR) August 21, 2024
There have been three games at the national stadium so far, and it’s not been hard to tell how the fans feel about the situation.
Even though the game against Dynamo Kyiv was very important, Hampden wasn’t even close to full, and it was even worse when they played St. Johnstone.
Our Premier Sports Cup quarter-final tie with Dundee will be played on Saturday, 21 September at 5:30pm.
The venue for this match will be confirmed in due course. pic.twitter.com/OAl911qD2W
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 21, 2024
The most recent video from inside Ibrox shows that most of the steel has been put in place. The seats still need to be replaced, and the hallways need to be cleaned up.
It’s clear that the Rangers are sure they can finish this job in four weeks.
— Craig (@craig_m0808) August 21, 2024
John Bennett stuck to his word during the Ibrox mess.
Things seemed a lot less certain when chairman John Bennett tried to explain at the end of July when fans could go back to their original seats:
“If I’m talking about when we can go back home, which is something we all want very badly, then it’s after the September international break, and the question is how long after the September international break.”
“We can hope that it will happen by the end of September, but that’s just a hope.” There is a problem with shipping, which is why I have to say this with some caveats. I’m sorry. So, yes, I can set a goal: get our fans back into our house for the last game of September. But yes, it might go further than that.
Bennett has kept his word so far, even though he wasn’t sure about his prediction.
It also looks like the work could have been done before the season started if the steel shipments hadn’t been held up until July.
As far as Rangers fans are concerned, one of the most important things they need to do right now is get back to Ibrox.
The timer is going off.
An attacker for Rangers calls it quits as the £4.6 million transfer agreement draws to a close
Luca Bendoni claims that although Rangers and Atlanta United were close to reaching an agreement for Cyriel Dessers, the striker wasn’t comfortable with the personal terms.
On Tuesday, August 20, the Di Marzio journalist reported via X that the two clubs were in negotiations for the forward’s £4.6 million transfer, and that an agreement was reportedly close to being reached before the transfer deadline.
Despite discussions between the two clubs to try and agree on the terms of his Ibrox exit this summer, the Nigerian forward refused to go.
Amidst rumours of a transfer to Atalanta United, will Cyriel Dessers leave Rangers?
Dessers has been continuously linked to a move away from Rangers since the transfer window opened at the beginning of the summer, with numerous teams rumoured to be keen to sign him.
Even the forward has talked about this ongoing rumour, stating that he is eager to stay in Glasgow after the transfer window closes because he keeps getting better every week while wearing a Light Blues shirt.
Though most supporters will admit that watching the Nigerian international waste chance after chance in front of goal is extremely frustrating, he continues to be Philippe Clement’s team’s most reliable goal scorer.
Although they are getting closer to making a full recovery, Danilo and Hamza Igamane cannot be relied upon to start games and lead the line every week due to their ongoing fitness problems.
Backstory: Atlanta United had been in negotiations with Rangers over a $6m deal for striker, Cyriel Dessers. The agreement between clubs was close, but the move wasn’t agreed on player-side. 🔵🇧🇪 #RangersFC #transfers pic.twitter.com/N7cK3XuB4e
— Luca Bendoni (@LucaBendoni) August 20, 2024
To allow Dessers to leave so soon before the window closes would require a very naiveté on the part of the Rangers. In the latter part of August, he would need to be replaced, and Clement’s team already has a lot of work ahead of them to bring their squad up to speed.
It would be extremely difficult to add a new striker to that list at this point in the summer, so Dessers’ choice might end up being a godsend.
Rangers row referee audio for Cyriel Dessers’ goal will be looked at by the SFA, as St. Johnstone managers demand answers
Dessers scored the first goal at Hampden, but the Perth club says the referee blew his whistle for a foul before the goal.
Reports say that SFA ref chiefs are going to listen to the audio of to figure out how they decided to let Cyriel Dessers score the controversial first goal for Rangers in their Premier Sports Cup win over St James’.
Referee Matthew MacDermid and VAR Greg Aitken have been criticised for how they handled the incident in the second half. Dessers scored, but MacDermid seemed to say that the Light Blues striker had fouled Saints custodian Jack Sanders before the goal.
Even so, Aitken sent MacDermid to the referee, who was happy that there had been no foul and let the goal stand. The angry St. Johnstone players think MacDermid blew his whistle for a foul, which could have stopped the game. The SFA is now looking into whether that was really what happened, along with the argument with Aitken.
It doesn’t matter if the referee waved for a free kick or blew his whistle AFTER the ball hit the back of the net. He would be fine. The Scottish Sun also says that the leaders of McDiarmid Park have “demanded clarity” about what’s going on, which means that the audio file will be listened to.
This summer, Willie Collum took over as head of refereeing from Crawford Allan. And last month, experienced former English official Jon Moss was hired as VAR manager to try to fix the problems that are still plaguing it.
Craig Levein, the angry manager of the Saints, said after the game, “If he makes it look like a free kick for us, which he did, and then stops, that’s his mistake.” Someone should just hold up their hands and say, “Look, I’m sorry, we got that wrong.” I don’t know what excuse they’ll come up with.
Rangers star was given a harsh transfer decision and informed that an apology might be required after making an Ibrox request
Right now, it’s unclear whether the player will stay with the Rangers in the future.
If Todd Cantwell is unable to find a new club this summer, former Scotland international James McFadden has suggested Rangers manager Philippe Clement should tell him to “get a grip” and adopt a better “attitude.” According to Sky Sports, the attacking midfielder is currently training with the B team and wants to leave Ibrox before the deadline.
Since joining the Glasgow team in January 2023, Cantwell, who is 26 years old, has made 64 appearances across all competitions and contributed 14 goals, eight of which came during the previous campaign. Last season, he assisted his current club in winning the Scottish League Cup.
Speaking on the Open Goal YouTube channel, McFadden stated: “The only thing is, you need to get a hold of him and say get a grip you need to try and help the team if the transfer window shuts and you’re paying him.”He can’t be paid indefinitely to do nothing. If he doesn’t leave before the window closes, it’s because no one wants him. The same is true if he doesn’t play until January or during the summer, when no one will want him.
Then you enter and tell everyone to get a grip, apologise to the group, and act civil. You can play if you have a positive attitude. If you play and perform well, you are eligible to go in January.
At the end of July, Clement stated, “I kept the door open all these weeks.”He arrived for the first time with that quite some time ago. The door is always open as long as a player is present and we have faith in his abilities. Naturally, though, in order to see results in the coming weeks, we must now concentrate on the guys who are giving the club their all. We’ll watch to see what transpires.
Cantwell was acquired by Rangers in an effort to improve their roster. He had worked on the books at Norwich City his entire career until moving across the border.
Growing up, he attended the Carrow Road Academy and played regularly for the East Anglian side at several youth levels. In addition to having loan stints at Fortuna Sittard and AFC Bournemouth, he played 129 games for the Canaries’ first team and scored 14 goals.
There would be money and room in the Gers’ ranks for new players to come through the door if he were to depart over the course of the next few weeks. However, it is unknown as of right now whether he will depart.
EXCLUSIVE! Ibrox legend Charlie Miller blasts the Rangers board for allegedly treating fans like dirt while criticising their “diabolical” mismanagement
Charlie Miller is clearly unhappy with the current board of directors.
An analysis of Rangers’ terrible Champions League exit – Hotline Live
Charlie Miller remains completely confident that Philippe Clement can handle business at Ibrox.
But the legend of the Rangers is quickly losing faith in the financiers in charge of him. Dynamo Kyiv’s £40 million Champions League elimination on Tuesday night is the most recent in a long history of expensive errors that John Bennett and the directors he leads have been in charge of. Even so, the stunned nine-time champion Miller acknowledges that it’s still difficult for him to comprehend that the Gers are in this situation just a few seasons after leaving his former team after an undefeated Premiership, a trip to the Europa League final, and a lucrative spot in the UEFA Champions League group stages.
These accomplishments brought in enormous wealth, as did the sales of Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey, and Nathan Patterson. Nobody can dispute that a group of Ibrox investors, Bennett included, have also contributed a substantial amount of money to keep the team afloat—roughly £20 million. However, serious concerns are now being raised regarding how all those funds were used.
From the many expensive court cases that have depleted valuable funds to the even more costly transfer errors made under Ross Wilson and Michael Beale. The chaos at the top of the Marble Staircase is further enhanced by the construction mess on the Copland Road end, which has forced Clement’s team to flee to Hampden.
Clement is the one in charge of steering the team in the right direction amidst all of that. This week, Miller’s team made a mistake at the National Stadium, but he maintains that it is not the right moment to change the manager’s strategy.
“Oh, absolutely.” Record Sport was told by the former Ibrox favourite, “I think we should stick with Clement.” “I believe he demonstrated last season that he is a capable coach when his team is fully healthy. The issue is that he simply lacks the funds to make purchases. It’s noteworthy that the team he had the previous season is superior to the current one.
“Signing-wise, the past few years have been a complete mess ever since Steven Gerrard left. The league title gave the team a fantastic opportunity, but they chose not to seize it. It’s really disappointing that they’ve essentially stopped moving. After winning 55, we ought to have given Gerrard our support and let his team continue.
“The fans are aware of the circumstances. We don’t have enough money to sign players, but I’m not sure how we’re going to make ends meet. Only a few years have passed since the teams advanced to the Champions League groups and the Europa League final. The majority have earned millions and millions of dollars. However, it’s difficult to see how any of that has been applied to the team—which is ultimately what matters most. When a club has a winning football team, everything else falls into place.
“All of these off-field errors mount up and deplete funds that would be better used for it. How in the world did we get to the point where the stadium is unusable? It’s demonic.
“Edmiston House is spending millions more than it ought to. How? HOW? The fans are really the ones who are suffering the most because it’s just been one thing after another.
“They’re left with a team that, despite their best efforts, is just not good enough. I feel sorry for the fans. This is how they get paid for the bloody fortunes they have invested. Everything about the stadium situation is so amateurish. The fans have received filthy treatment.
(Image: Daily Record)
Above all, I’m just really sad for them. Naturally, Rangers supporters have high expectations, but the board cannot continue to count on them if they do not provide them with a competitive team to watch on the pitch. I have faith in Clement, and I know he will make things right. I’m hoping he does.
Last season, supporters’ patience with their team finally broke after Rangers’ defeat in the first Old Firm match during the first week of September. Even though the opening Derby duel is still two weeks away, there are already indications that some people are getting tired.
Thousands of seats were left empty during Tuesday’s 2-0 loss to Dynamo, and James Tavernier will now have to lead his team into a Hampden that is likely to be less than half full when the Gers kick off their Premier Sports Cup defence against St Johnstone on Saturday night.
Miller can also relate to their pessimistic view. To be honest, I’m also a little pessimistic about the situation,” he stated. The only new players who made an appearance the other night were Connor Barron and Robin Propper. We’ll probably sign a few more before the window closes.
“But the signings continue to give me some concern. We were really missing someone to go up with Cyriel Dessers. Even the manager concedes that Hamza Igamane isn’t yet ready for first-team football, despite our spending £2 million on him. That £2 million, in my opinion, would have been better used to make a bid for Lawrence Shankland.
It’s odd that they’re considering the future with Igamane when the present should always come first.
Get them out if they don’t want to work with him, as well. I like Todd Cantwell, but get shot if he doesn’t want to be here. Allow Ianis Hagi to leave if he so chooses. Likewise for any other. The club needs to move forward with just these people who wish to be involved in its future.
With just 10 players remaining on his team following Jefte’s contentious sending-off, Clement was furious. Miller also wants the VAR regulations changed so that television officials are unable to intervene and overturn controversial referee Marco Guida’s decision to give the Brazilian a second booking.
“It’s a massive mistake,” he declared. Shambolic incidents like that highlight the weakness of not being able to review yellow cards, but we don’t want a situation where VAR is re-officiating the entire game.
Ally McCoist says the strength of Celtic this season compared to Rangers has broken his “heart”
After Celtic’s second victory of the new league season, Ally McCoist, a former striker for the Rangers, acknowledged that he was already heartbroken by Brendan Rodgers’ team.
Celtic easily defeated Kilmarnock 4-0 at Parkhead on the opening weekend, thanks to goals from four different scorers. The Ayrshire club was easily defeated.
Celtic’s visit to Easter Road to play Hibs yesterday afternoon presented a tougher test for the team, but two goals early in the first half gave the Hoops the upper hand, and the Parkhead club easily won 2-0.
Speaking with Jim White, Ally McCoist also confesses that he is already devastated by what he has seen from Celtic this season.
McCoist thinks Celtic will win the title “romping.”
As White was discussing the SPFL results from the previous weekend, he asked McCoist if there was any possibility other than the Bhoys winning the league title once more after watching Celtic defeat Hibs.
“It’s so early in the season in Scotland—is there anything to tell us that anything is going to happen up there other than Celtic are going to romp it?” White said [talkSPORT].
McCoist, who was obviously defeated, conceded that White was right and said it hurt to acknowledge it.
“That certainly looks that way,” McCoist retorted. I firmly believe that for Rangers to have a chance to qualify for the Champions League, they must win or draw against Dynamo Kyiv.
“But you can’t see anything other than that right now, which breaks my heart to say plainly.”
Celtic’s performance should concern rivals.
Our rivals already have a lot to be concerned about, and Brendan Rodgers still has more fresh faces to add to the Celtic squad.
This season, Nicolas Kuhn appears to be a far better player than he was the previous one, demonstrating why Rodgers spent £3 million on him in January.
Given how well-liked Kasper Schmeichel is by Celtics supporters, the Dane’s addition to the team to replace Joe Hart appears encouraging.
And even this early in the season, Celtic are looking very dangerous, with goals coming from all over the pitch.
Although they shouldn’t get too carried away just yet, Celtics supporters are eager for the upcoming season based on what they have seen thus far from their team.
It’s also understandable why McCoist feels the way he does if Rodgers is successful in acquiring the players he needs to bolster the squad.
One thing the Rangers star did in the 2-1 win blew Motherwell’s manager away
The word “world-class” is used a lot of the time. But it’s clear that Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell thought that was the right word for one important play by Philippe Clement that won the game for Rangers.
It may have come as a surprise, but Kettlewell did not praise Vaclav Cerny.
Cyriel Dessers scored the first goal early on, but Robin Propper scored an own goal that cancelled it out. Then Wolfsburg loanee Vaclav Cerny took the ball on his left foot and curled it in with the kind of stunning finish that made him such a “special” talent in the Eredivisie.
That was Cerny’s first goal for Rangers.
The fact that he set up Dessers’ late goal in last week’s 1-1 draw with Dynamo Kiev doesn’t change the idea that The Gers may have finally found the right winger they’ve been looking for for years.
Cerny’s goal in the 24th minute was the game-winner, and Rangers won by an odd goal in three.
Clement’s team could have started the new season with three straight draws, but the man at the other end of the pitch stopped that from happening.
Motherwell lost to Rangers, and Jack Butland played very well again.
Last season, Jack Butland saved Rangers many times. He has picked up where he left off to show everyone why he was named the club’s Player of the Year in the spring.
In the second half, when Motherwell was trying to tie the game, the former England player had great reflexes to get down low and keep Zach Robinson out.
Quote from the Daily Record: “I think back to Zach Robinson’s shot at goal.” “And Jack Butland made a world-class save.”
Also, Kettlewell was let down that Motherwell’s hard work after the break didn’t matter.
“I thought we got a little more aggressive in the second half, even though we didn’t make any stupid tactical changes.” “Began to get ahead,” he adds.
“And then, as the game comes to a close, you feel like you have most of the pressure on their goal. You’re hoping for that one-of-a-kind chance that brings you even in the game, and hopefully more.”
Philippe Clement talks about the impact of Vaclav Cerny
It makes sense that people asked Clement about Cerny’s part in his own press conference after the game.
Along with Propper, who used to play for Twente, the winger was brought in to give a mostly young team some experience and quality.
“That’s why we brought him here!” “That’s the idea,” Clement told Sky Sports when asked about Cerny, who won the game in the end.
“Also to make the team stronger and add players with quality and experience to play with our young boys, who also played really well, like Conor Baron.”
“Barron played well in the middle of the pitch.” You can see the automation we’re trying to make more and more.
Another great play by Butland was his stop, which is even more impressive when you think about how little he did during the rest of the game.
“We should have scored a third goal in the second half, and then you killed their hope,” says Clement. “Then the game has a different ending.”
“But we didn’t give away a lot.” Jack (Butland) didn’t have to make many saves, or rather, not many. It’s a good afternoon between two European games, that’s for sure.
Scottish Premiership manager speaks out after former Rangers star Jack was spotted in a stand
When questioned about Ryan Jack’s attendance at St. Mirren’s Conference League matchup against SK Brann, Stephen Robinson claimed ignorance.
The Scotland international is currently a free agent after leaving Rangers when his contract expired.
Jack was spotted in the stands at the SMiSA Stadium as St. Mirren overcame a late goal by Toyosi Olusanya to tie the game at one with the Norwegian team Brann.
When questioned during his press conference after the game, Robinson asserted that he was unaware of Jack’s attendance.
Was he? Alright, alright,” replied Robinson in response to a question about Jack’s whereabouts at the stadium. “Then, Ryan has arrived to witness an excellent football match!
When asked if he thought there was nothing in it, the manager replied, “Not that I know of.”
It comes after Jack disclosed that he has been discussing his next course of action following his departure from the Rangers.
The midfield player has not yet agreed to terms with a new team, but he was part of Scotland’s Euro 2024 squad.
Jack stated on PLZ Soccer last month: “There have been a handful. There have also been a few overseas, but it’s difficult to tell in football when nothing is written down or made concrete.
Yet, there have been a few rumours floating around that have excited me; we’ll see where that goes.
“In my case, I’m hoping it won’t be too much longer because I can’t wait to get back involved.
“In terms of my fitness, I’m doing great. I just want to maintain the fact that I am checking all the boxes and currently feel like I am flying.”
Four Lads call the new Rangers signing “honking” in spite of what he did against Dynamo Kyiv
Two Boys Had a Dream. Vaclav Cerny did not impress Stevie Clifford prior to his last-minute assist in Rangers’ match against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday, August 6.
After Andriy Yarmelenko opened the score in the first half, the 26-year-old loanee came on to replace Ross McCausland at the hour mark in an attempt to help the Gers push for a desperately needed equaliser.
The forward, who is on loan from Wolfsburg, wasn’t the most compelling addition, but in the fourth minute of extra time, he crossed the ball perfectly, allowing Cyriel Dessers to poke home the winning goal at the last second to tie the score at one.
Clifford stated on Wednesday, August 7, via The Rangers Review YouTube channel: “I thought he was honking.” His constant giving away of the ball was very annoying.
“I thought to myself, ‘This guy is so far behind the times. Why do we sign athletes who require a period of eight months to acclimatise? He produces after all these voices in your head go into overdrive. I enjoyed that there was no thought process involved—just write it down, touch it, and quickly turn it in.
A magical moment is created by Vaclav Cerny during Rangers vs. Dynamo Kyiv.
Champions League qualification is crucial given the current financial issues at Ibrox, where Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement are operating on a very tight budget in addition to the setbacks in the redevelopment of Ibrox.
Before Tuesday, August 13, at Hampden Park for the second leg of the competition, Cerny has undoubtedly strengthened the new manager’s case. The manager needs to establish himself by qualifying for the European competition’s group stages.
Since joining Wolfsburg last summer, Cerny has only made 25 appearances and scored five goals, but if he continues to play like he did against Dinamo Kyiv, those totals should rise this season.
🎯 Černý with the perfect assist into the path of Dessers. pic.twitter.com/DsXmYOw6GV
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) August 6, 2024
The winger needs time to adjust to life in Scotland and get up to speed, as he only recently left the Bundesliga, but the early signs are encouraging.
Before assisting the Gers in defeating their Champions League opponents the following week, supporters will be hoping he can produce something similar against Motherwell on Saturday, August 10.
“Deal to be Done”: Keith Jackson discusses Ryan Jack’s £2k/w return in the midst of the “strange” Rangers transfer situation
According to Keith Jackson, Rangers could have worked out a deal to keep Ryan Jack on lower pay that would be increased whenever he was deemed fit to play.
A reporter for the Daily Record stated on Hotline Live on August 4 that, following the Light Blues’ 0-0 draw at Hearts in the season’s opening match the day before, “nothing seems to make a great deal of sense” regarding the team’s transfer window.
According to Jackson, Jack, 32, wanted to remain at Ibrox after his contract expired this summer. He is the kind of midfield leader Philippe Clement is missing, so a cooperative extension could have been reached.
“If you can’t keep John Lundstram, I get that,” he said (35m 25s). You are unable to influence his belief that he can obtain better terms elsewhere.
But Ryan Jack is not the same. I am aware that Ryan Jack has a long history of injuries, which means that he hasn’t been available very often. Nevertheless, he is skilled and knowledgeable about the situation.
“I believe he desired to remain at the club. I’m not advocating for a second that you give him £12,000 per week to carry out that task, but Ryan Jack would have been interested if someone had told him, “Look, we’re going to give you a basic salary of £2,000-a-week but if you play on Saturday we’ll give you £10,000 an appearance.”
“It costs you nothing if Ryan Jack is out for the remainder of the season. However, if he stays around and plays, he would have easily entered that midfield over the weekend if he was healthy enough to do so.
It’s odd, but I believe they are lacking experience. I believe there was an agreement to be reached with Ryan Jack. He’s the kind of guy you want to hang out with, particularly if you’re not in need of bodies.
Rangers lost Ryan Jack and John Lundstram to Philippe Clement.
Although it was clear that a rebuild was required, there weren’t many significant complaints when Lundstram and Jack left as their contracts expired [David Tanner, 1 June]. However, the idea of a similar pay-as-you-play arrangement quickly surfaced.
After so many injury setbacks, the Scottish midfielder, like Kemar Roofe, could not justify the investment, and it was assumed they would be replaced.
The only new player to start at Tynecastle was Connor Barron, who appears to be at least an improvement over Lundstram.
However, the fact that the season has begun and so much of the rebuild is still unfinished may help to clarify Jack’s departure.
Leon Balogun and Jack agreed to a one-year extension; if Jack had accepted the terms Jackson had proposed, that might have been a good insurance option by now, and it might still be.
On July 30, he told PLZ Soccer that he didn’t have a contract with another team, but if Clement became desperate, he might look into it again.
However, most supporters do not want the club to go in that direction, so it would be preferable if Clement got his own team.
However, the manager and the supporters are becoming frustrated as the necessary exits are not being pushed through quickly enough at this time.
An injury expert discusses the likelihood that a Rangers player will fail their medical given recent transfer news
Dr Rajpal Brar says Rangers attacker Ianis Hagi is unlikely to face problems clearing his medical despite his recent injury issues.
The injury expert read an interview that the Romanian international had provided to Rangers Review in May 2023, during which he described his ACL rupture recovery process.
During his loan at Deportivo Alaves last season, he struggled to get playing time and he has since acknowledged that he has told his agent to look for new pastures before the window closes. [Scottish Sun]
Physical therapist and sports scientist Brar spoke exclusively with Ibrox News about his circumstances. He said:
“Considering that he had suffered an ACL injury, nothing he said was unusual.
If anything, that interview demonstrates that he knows how to recover from the injury gradually rather than rushing back, which is a huge plus.
It all comes down to patience.
“If he does go this summer, he shouldn’t have any trouble getting his medical cleared.”
Rangers need to take advantage of Ianis Hagi during this transfer window.
Hagi’s declining market value and the club’s need to raise money make it a good idea for the Gers to sell him this summer.
Since the 25-year-old’s value has fallen dramatically from its peak, now is the perfect time to invest in the player.
He had a disappointing loan spell at Deportivo Alaves, and he hasn’t played well at Ibrox either.
Selling Hagi could free up money to spend on new players who complement Philippe Clement’s tactical style and the team’s current needs.
Rangers chairman’s £11.5 million transfer claims looked at, and Philippe Clement backed up to the hilt
Rangers chairman John Bennett has hit back at claims that Ibrox hasn’t been getting enough money.
The manager of the under-fire Gers kept his promise to give a tough speech to fans this week, even though the club is in chaos before the season even started.
But because of the mess with the Copland Stand, the club’s CEO leaving, and the slow rebuilding process, John Bennett says the board has already backed Philippe Clement.
The Rangers manager knows that there is still a lot of work to be done on transfers. In the meantime, Bennett says that the shareholders at Ibrox have been putting up the money to make progress.
But where is the £11.5 million that the Rangers chairman gave to Philippe Clement?
Bennett: £11.5m has already been given to Clement
Bennett says that Rangers have already spent a huge £11.5 million on Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen in the first two transfer windows.
This is before any loan players come in.
Bennett made it clear that the Belgian has been backed, even though the rebuilding job is bigger than anyone thought. The numbers are pretty amazing and are likely to go up as the window goes on.
Rangers have lost a lot of once-important first-team players for nothing over the years because of bad squad management. The club’s options are also limited because it keeps overpaying for useless players.
“People talk a lot about the stages of buying and selling,” Bennett told RangersTV.
🎙️ Chairman John Bennett sat down with @RangersTV this week to provide an update on a number of topics including the Copland Stand works, playing at Hampden, club finances and the transfer window. pic.twitter.com/1G5voK0qnB
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 29, 2024
“If you look at the facts, not just in this window but also in windows before this one, how has Rangers worked?”
“And I want us to stop doing things the way we have been doing them, which is that the board has stood behind each window.”
“If I look at 2024 from January to now, excluding loans, we have debts and commitments worth over 10 million dollars.”
“With loans taken out, we’re about £11.5 million in transfer payables so far, and loans aren’t free.”
Who did the Rangers pay to sign?
Since Philippe Clement joined Rangers, the team has signed six players to stay.
The first player on that list is Mohamed Diomande. Rangers paid Danish club FC Nordsjælland about £4.3m (Sky Sports) to sign the Ivorian player permanently this summer.
After that, the club paid around £400,000 (Rangers Review) to get Brazilian left back Jefte from Fluminense.
Another player that Rangers bought for £1.7 million was Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane from FAR Rabat. However, the striker is not yet ready to make an impact in Glasgow.
How to figure out the rest of the fees is where things get tricky.
Reports don’t include the costs of agents and signing on fees for Clinton Nsiala (AC Milan) and Liam Kelly (Motherwell), even though they joined for free.
Rangers and Aberdeen are also going to court over Scotland U21 midfielder Connor Barron, and it’s still not clear how much will have to be paid for the player.
Let’s say, just for fun, that a fee of around £1m is likely to be seen as fair.
With those six new players, Rangers have spent about £7.4m so far this window.
It is closer to Bennett’s suggested fee, though, when you count the loan-to-buy deal for Oscar Cortes. Rangers will sign the Colombian winger permanently from RC Lens next summer.
Chris Jack and the Rangers Review say that Rangers has already agreed to pay around £4m to get the Colombian player at the end of the season.
We think that around £11.4m has already been pledged to Clement’s plan to rebuild Ibrox, and that number is likely to go up in the days and weeks to come.
“They’re failing,” Pundit blast the Rangers board, while Clement wants to give up and sign with another team
Derek Ferguson says that Philippe Clement’s transfer targets will wait no longer for Rangers to make sales so that they can afford to buy them.
The manager of the Light Blues told the public on July 13 that he had to sell in order to buy [Daily Record], but those sales are only now starting to go through after Sam Lammers joined FC Twente.
But Ferguson, a midfielder who used to play at Ibrox, has criticised the Gers board for hiring an ambitious manager but not letting him fix up his team.
Experts worry that Clement will not be able to get the senior players he wanted because the transfer window is almost over and players are already signing with other teams.
He only told Ibrox News, “The board needs to get their act together and stop talking trash.”
“They hired an ambitious manager, but you need to give him the tools to bring these guys in yourself.”
“They keep saying there’s no money, but some guys leaving will make some money available.”
“But we’re keeping an eye on all of these guys, and a little while from now, they’ll have other offers as well.”
“At some point, they need to take care of themselves.”
“I have to be honest with you—it’s a bit of a mess. But that mess is their fault, and they’re failing the Rangers support big time.”
The Rangers transfer window is a long one for Philippe Clement.
John Bennett and the Ibrox board could point to the money that was used to make Mohamed Diomande’s loan permanent and the money that was set aside to sign Oscar Cortes on a similar deal.
For the Connor Barron deal, Aberdeen also wants to get as much money as possible from the Light Blues.
But the point is still made that Clement is having to pick up the pieces after Michael Beale’s failure a year ago and is under more financial pressure than Beale was.
But with players like Lammers and Goldson leaving and James Tavernier being heavily linked with a move, the wage bill is now open, so the manager will be eager to bring in his own players after missing out on Jose Cordoba and Yusuf Kabadayi this summer.
“Getting Desperate”: Pundit responds as Rangers miss out on striker who wanted to move to Ibrox
Because Danilo is still a few weeks away from being fully fit, Derek Ferguson says Rangers need to sign a new striker right away.
The defender who used to play at Ibrox thinks that the Brazilian will need more time to fully recover from the injury that kept him out for most of last season and that Cyriel Dessers, who is currently the team’s best forward, needs more competition.
After being released by Sheffield United this summer, Oli McBurnie was free to sign with any team. He had publicly said that he wanted to play for the Light Blues [Stomping Ground Podcast, 5 April], but he made a surprise move to Las Palmas in La Liga instead.
Ferguson thinks that the Scotland international was a missed chance and that he “absolutely” would have been worth bringing in, even if the response wasn’t great.
He only talked to Ibrox News and said, “I think a lot of fans maybe turned their noses up a little at first.”
“But we need players through the door, and we need them badly.”
“That’s the stage. I think it will take Danilo another three or four weeks to catch up.”
“So Oli McBurnie, we all know he cheers for Rangers and has played for Scotland.”
The boy is a good player, and if we had the chance to go get him, or if we could have gotten him through the door, we would have.
“You need all the competition.” Does Dessers work? It’s not hard to see.
Oli McBurnie joined Las Palmas even though he wants to play for Rangers.
Kemar Roofe has been sold, Sam Lammers has been released, and Cyriel Dessers could still be sold. Danilo has been tipped to be a key player this season [Kris Boyd, 5 July], but he hasn’t played much football, so he probably won’t be able to get up to speed right away.
Philippe Clement had to wait for sales to happen before he could buy, and a move for Hearts star Lawrence Shankland is now back on the table [Rangers Review, July 24].
With six Premier League goals last season, McBurnie, who is 28 years old, seemed like he was free to take.
There might have been a need to save money on wages, but his own goals could have allowed him to wait if interest was made clear.
Theo Bair was liked by The Athletic on June 23 but has since gone to play for another team. Albion Rrahmani and Bojan Miovski also don’t seem to be in the running [Daily Record, July 15].
So there are growing worries that Rangers could be light up top again if they don’t get more help soon.
Doctor makes claim for first-team football while Rangers make offer to sign South American winger
Rangers are interested in Atletico Nacional winger Edier Ocampo, but Dr. Rajpal Brar says he won’t be able to play regular senior football for a few months.
The injury expert says that the Colombian hasn’t played football outside of his home country and is still pretty young, so the switch to regular first-team football will be slow so that he doesn’t get hurt.
The news came after Fishajes said on July 25 that Gers had made an offer to sign the 20-year-old winger.
Doctor of physical therapy and sports scientist Brar talked about his situation only with Ibrox News. He said:
“Ocampo has only played in Colombia and is still very young, so it would be unlikely to sign him for the first team, at least for the first season.”
“Rangers should gradually increase his strength and conditioning work to meet the needs of the game while easing him in slowly to make sure the transition goes smoothly.”
“You have to give yourself time to adapt, both mentally and physically.”
“I think it would be a few months before he could play regular senior football, and he would have to be built in slowly when he was ready.”
Edier Ocampo would be a good long-term choice for Rangers.
As a bright future prospect, Ocampo should be signed by Gers because he has shown a lot of promise.
He has already proven himself at age 20 by playing well as both a right back and a winger.
Adding him could give the team more depth and competition, especially if James Tavernier leaves.
James Tavernier has had a stellar Rangers career
Because Ocampo can help on both offence and defence, Philippe Clement, who wants to improve his team for the future, is interested in signing him.
Sam Lammers’ exit cash unlocks Lawrence Shankland to Rangers transfer move, as Hearts brace for bid
The Tynecastle captain is wanted by Ibrox boss Philippe Clement this summer.
Sam Lammers is on the verge of joining Twente Enschede for £2.7 million, potentially allowing Rangers to fund their bid for Lawrence Shankland.
On Tuesday, Record Sport reported that the Hearts skipper is back on the wanted list at Ibrox due to a shift in position from Philippe Clement. However, the Belgian manager will still need to raise around £3 million to persuade the Edinburgh club to sell the talismanic striker. Clement may soon receive a windfall as Dutch frontman Lammers prepares to return to his homeland.
The 27-year-old has been told he will not play a role in Clement’s summer rebuild, but he still has three years left on his lucrative contract after joining from Italian club Atalanta last summer. While Utrecht and NAC Breda matched the asking price, they failed to meet the player’s wage demands.
Twente, on the other hand, believes they have the funds to bring Lammers back to the Netherlands after setting aside a package worth around £1.3 million per year to sign Wout Weghorst from Burnley. However, it is understood that the Euro 2024 star ended discussions last week, with Twente’s focus shifting to Gers’ Lammers instead.
If a deal can be reached, Clement will look to spend the funds raised, with Shankland high on his list of targets despite the manager’s decision not to sign the Scotland striker in January. Clement is desperate to bring in reinforcements ahead of the Premiership opener against Shankland’s Jambos at Tynecastle next Saturday, and he may arrange a loan for Sevilla star Joan Jordan in the coming days.
According to reports, the La Liga club wants Rangers to agree to a season-long loan with an option to buy the midfielder for up to £4 million. This deal would also require the Light Blues to cover roughly 60% of the 30-year-old’s salary.
Jordan could be joined by Vaclav Cerny, who is expected to move on loan from Wolfsburg. Meanwhile, James Tavernier, Todd Cantwell, and Connor Goldson are looking into ways to leave.
Jack Butland: ‘Alarm bells’ ringing for Rangers following latest – sources
Rangers have slapped a “astronomical” price tag on Jack Butland amid financial concerns, according to Football Insider sources.
On the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior writer Pete O’Rourke stated that Philippe Clement’s £30 million value may discourage prospective teams.
The club plans to raise funds through player sales this summer, but by pricing Butland so expensive, they are unlikely to cash in on one of their most valuable assets.
While Clement’s club will retain a top player at Ibrox, it will do nothing to enhance the group for the future, raising worries among supporters.
Pressure is increasing on both the manager and the board to reduce the gap on Celtic, but budgetary constraints are becoming a stumbling block.
Jack Butland’s transfer announcement raises alarms at Rangers
Rangers need to sell players before they can buy this summer, and Clement just confirmed that every player is available for purchase at the appropriate price.
This statement, however, did not include Butland, with the club anxious to keep last season’s Player of the Year despite his high resale value.
Butland joined Ibrox for free last summer after leaving Crystal Palace and soon established himself as a key member of the squad.
Last season, he appeared 58 times in all competitions, helping Rangers win the Scottish League Cup despite losing the Scottish Cup and League.
He remains an important element of Clement’s strategy and will not be allowed to go, despite interest from English teams.
However, Rangers may face additional problems if they are unable to move some of their peripheral players to make room for new newcomers.
According to Football Insider, both Connor Goldson and James Tavernier have shown interest in leaving Ibrox, but financial concerns remain.
Fabrizio Romano reports Rangers-linked Scotland striker now has signed surprise transfer
During this window of transfers, Rangers are searching for more firepower.
After conceding several goals from the team’s ineffective forward line during the previous campaign, the Gers still appear short in the last third.
With Danilo, a Brazilian striker, having only recently returned from injury and Cyriel Dessers’ status still unknown, Rangers supporters are hoping for one more senior option to join the team this transfer window.
However, Fabrizio Romano claims that one possible option for the Scotland national team will not be to move to Ibrox after agreeing to an unexpected transfer to Spain.
McBurnie seals an unexpected agreement in Spain
Oliver McBurnie’s connections to the Rangers are always present.
Despite being born in Leeds, the 28-year-old Scotland international striker has a deep bond with the Ibrox club and isn’t afraid to flaunt his Rangers colours.
Although McGurnie acknowledged that he would be amenable to joining Rangers after departing Sheffield United in the summer, the lanky striker is more likely to move to sunny Spain.
At least, that’s what Fabrizio Romano says, stating that Oliver McBurnie has an agreement with Las Palmas, a La Liga team.
According to Romano, McBurnie, a free agent, will have a medical on Friday before moving permanently to Gran Canaria.
🟡🌴 Excl: Scottish striker Oli McBurnie, set to join Las Palmas as free agent after leaving Sheffield Utd as verbal agreement is done.
Medical booked on Friday. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/JIZFKAhLBC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 23, 2024
Hunt for a Rangers striker continues
Any notion that Oliver McBurnie could have filled Rangers’ striker void has been dispelled by the agreement to bring the hitman to Spain.
Although there hasn’t been a formal indication that Rangers intended to sign McBurnie this summer, the striker has frequently been linked to Ibrox throughout his career.
The contract McBurnie had with Sheffield United, where he had moved in a £20 million deal from Swansea in 2019, expired, so maybe there was a chance to make a deal this summer.
Now the focus will be on potential strikers that Rangers could be interested in signing.
Whilst McBurnie has found himself out of the Scotland picture as of late, another Scotland international forward in Lawrence Shankland has been linked to Rangers once again.
Another bluenose hitman who has made no bones about his Ibrox loyalties, the links have polarised supporters as Rangers look to strengthen the Ibrox forward line.
Rangers bid to sign £3m goal machine
According to the Daily Record, Philippe Clement is reportedly prepared to “push the button” on a Rangers trade for Hearts attacker Lawrence Shankland.
The Scotland international is once again on the Gers’ radar, according to a report from the newspaper in its online version on Monday, July 22, even though manager Clement decided not to pursue a deal back in January.
Shankland is nearing the end of his Tynecastle deal, but according to the Record, the Jambos may still demand “top dollar,” with Rangers possibly needing to come up with as much as £3 million to get the 28-year-old.
Before making a move for Shankland, the Light Blues would need to offload players in order to balance the books.
It makes sense for the Rangers to sign Lawrence Shankland.
With this one, it feels like Groundhog Day all over again because, during the January transfer window, the Rangers were constantly connected to a deal for Shankland.
Now, though, things are different because Rangers lost out to rivals Celtic for the Scottish Premiership, and you can’t help but wonder what would have happened if Shankland had stayed at Ibrox.
At 28, Shankland is in the prime of his career and was the leading scorer in the Scottish Premiership the previous season with 24 goals.
The saying goes, “Defence wins titles,” and while there is some truth to that, Rangers need to add some quality to their final third as goals win championships.
Should they be able to acquire Shankland for approximately £3 million, it might be a crucial investment in their pursuit of winning the championship. To be honest, it makes perfect sense.
Casemiro’s four-word reaction to Manchester United’s win over Rangers at Murrayfield
Rangers outcast Sam Lammers declined a move to NEC Nijmegen, according to The Scottish Sun.
The newspaper said on its website [21 July] that, despite manager Rogier Meijer’s interest in the Dutch striker this summer, Lammers has decided not to leave Ibrox for the Eredivisie club.
Lammers was expected to be one of the first players to go after his remarkable six-month loan spell with FC Utrecht, but he has decided to stay put for the time being.
Sam Lammers rejects an Ibrox escape as Rangers transfer discussions emerge.
After failing to strike the ground running at Ibrox, scoring only twice in 31 appearances, he elected to spend the second part of the season on loan in the Netherlands.
He scored 11 goals in 20 games, attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Nijmegen, who are certainly interested in signing him this summer.
According to the Daily Record, Utrecht are willing to match the Gers’ £2.7 million asking price for the 27-year-old, but his salary is a concern.
Lammers has a chance to stay in Scotland and compete for a spot in the team, despite continued doubts over Cyriel Dessers’ availability.
With Danilo out for much of last season, the Nigerian striker was Clement’s only viable option at Ibrox, and he continued to disappoint with his all-round performance.
Clement hoped that bringing Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves would relieve some of Dessers’ goalscoring strain, but despite scoring over 20 goals in his first season, fans remain sceptical.
It will be an intriguing tale to follow this summer to see if Lammers is looking for a better offer elsewhere or if he is willing to stay at Ibrox and battle for his club.
Fantastic’ attacker who wants to come to Scotland is being pursued by Rangers, and they are willing to pay more than £7 million for him
According to the Daily Record, Rangers have made a proposal of more than £7 million in an attempt to capture attacker Morgan Whittaker of Plymouth Argyle.
On July 19, the news outlet said that the Championship club had rejected Gers’ first offer for the 23-year-old right winger.
Although Ibrox has been considering the Englishman for some time, manager Wayne Rooney wants to keep him at the team and is aware that he wants to move to Scotland.
Rangers finally shown ambition after Philippe Clement’s concerns about the future surfaced.
The Gers’ offer for Whittaker shows a great deal of ambition and a readiness to make team investments.
This action takes place in the midst of uncertainty surrounding Philippe Clement’s future. The Belgian has already voiced worries about the club’s financial status and the money available for transfers, and Kris Boyd even expressed anxiety that he would depart.
Contrary to Clement’s previous remarks, the bid of over £7 million for the 23-year-old indicates that the club is willing to make financial investments in order to develop the team.
Whittaker has been a long-term objective for the Ibrox team and has previously been praised for his skills. He scored 19 goals and contributed eight assists for Plymouth Argyle in the Championship last season.
When he was at Swansea and scored a hat-trick against Plymouth, the manager Russell Martin commented, “I thought he was fantastic.” He has plenty at his disposal.
He is a long-term aim, and his acquisition to the team would give the offensive unit much-needed talent and depth.
The 23-year-old would surely be a regular starter due to his quickness and ability to consistently threaten goals.
Additionally, his signing would make it clear to the league’s other teams and spectators that the Geeks are serious about contending for championships.
‘Time for change’: David Edgar blasts Rangers board in new CEO’s admission
David Edgar has slammed the Rangers board after recent revelations, acknowledging that it is “time for change” at Ibrox.
The Gers board has faced criticism this summer for delays in Ibrox renovation as well as a lack of transfer movement in and out of Philippe Clement’s side during the transfer window.
The Light Blues have yet to name a new CEO after James Bisgrove’s surprising departure. Heart and Hand broadcaster Edgar says the current structure at Rangers “hasn’t worked”.
On Thursday (18 July), he wrote on X that a board of directors should not be involved in the day-to-day operations of any corporation. Appoint a CEO, then stand aside and allow them to run the show while keeping an eye on things.
“If they fail to hit the agreed-upon targets, fire them and move on. We’ve had a ‘too many cooks’ situation at Ibrox for far too long, and it’s not working. “It’s time for change.”
Are Rangers close to making any new additions during the summer transfer window?
Supporters have every reason to be frustrated with the Rangers board at this time, since those in authority have promised far more than they are capable of delivering.
This summer, Clement and his recruiting staff were intended to rebuild the playing squad, but just one player has been moved for a transfer fee, second-choice goalie Robby McCrorie.
Several players, including James Tavernier, Todd Cantwell, Sam Lammers, and Cyriel Dessers, have been associated with leaving Glasgow, but have yet to make a move.
A board at a business – any business – shouldn’t be involved in day-to-day running of it. Appoint a CEO, stand back and let them run it and keep overview of it.
If they don’t hit agreed targets, fire them and move on.
We’ve had a ‘too many cooks’ situation at Ibrox for too long…
— Heart & Hand Podcast (@ibroxrocks) July 18, 2024
Furthermore, the lack of communication from the club’s top management on the delays at Ibrox and then the interim relocation to Hampden Park has been amateurish at best.
Rangers need to step up their game if they truly want to close the gap on the pitch with Celtic, since their recent acts have been amateurish.
Ibrox View: Koppen has to sign striker linked to Rangers ASAP following goal v Tottenham
Following the outstanding performance of the forward in a pre-season game against Tottenham, Rangers’ director of football recruitment Nils Koppen has a wonderful opportunity to bring Lawrence Shankland to Ibrox and should act fast.
Shankland proved his mettle on Wednesday, July 17, in the friendly against Spurs by scoring for Hearts in a game Tynecastle lost 5-1.
Following a defensive error by Tottenham’s team, Shankland got the ball in the box before turning swiftly and coolly placing it into the bottom corner of the net.
The Gers need this kind of goalscoring capacity exactly to challenge Celtic for the championship next season.
Rangers attached to Lawrence Shankland
Rangers are eager to return after Shankland once more [GIVEMESPORT, 17 May] with Philippe Clement scheduled to bolster the squad to Premiership success.
Losing to Celtic, who just won their third consecutive championship, has motivated everyone at the Gers to keep becoming better.
With thirty goals and eight assists, Shankland has had an incredible season.
Clement might be short in forwards with Kemar Roofe’s contract ending and Fabio Silva returning to Wolves, so Shankland becomes even more crucial.
Goal: Lawrence Shankland | Hearts 1-1 Tottenhampic.twitter.com/okGhY5jiXN
— PushGoals (@PushGoals) July 17, 2024
Although Shankland only has one year left on his contract, GiveMeSport’s report indicates Hearts value him at £5 million, which would seem a lot. Nevertheless, his goalscoring might be very important for Rangers.
Rangers should try once more even though they struggled to sign him earlier. Shankland’s abilities might be the secret to surpassing Celtic and claiming the championship.
Koppen should hence act right now. Shankland’s latest performance against Tottenham demonstrates his capability. Rangers should sign him at this ideal moment and bring his skill to Ibrox.
After the winger deal, Koppen may have more opportunities thanks to the Gers’ unique transfer “relationship”
There has been a refreshingly new attitude to the Rangers transfer market, with names from all over the world being mooted as potential targets.
Philippe Clement has also discussed Nils Koppen’s new hiring strategy, and the management is expecting to sign more players like Mohamed Diomande.
Oscar Cortes, a 20-year-old Colombian who made an impression during his early appearances before an injury terminated his season with the Rangers, is one “new” addition who will be a welcome sight once he is completely up to speed.
Oscar Cortes’ move to the Rangers may only be the beginning.
Cortes was a star of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup just last summer, and he has now been confirmed as a permanent deal, albeit with a one-year loan first.
Given that Koppen now frequently attends the TransferRoom briefings, it has been explained how the Rangers were able to sign such a gifted young player.
Agents and club representatives gather at these events to talk about potential players and possible deal structures.
Tomas Sarmiento, an agent for Cortes, gave TransferRoom an explanation of why the platform is so crucial for hiring managers.
Many individuals, I would say, are hesitant to bring Latin American players to the European market because they haven’t been proven at what you would consider to be the upper echelons of the game.
Through these portals, we are able to speak with those in positions of authority and discuss in greater depth any uncertainties they may have and how best to address them.
“TransferRoom gave us the ability to set up meetings, exchanges, and all of this.
Oscar Cortes will stay with the Rangers after a good agreement was reached. It’s a club that has done a great deal to help him grow and adjust to life in Europe.
“I believe he’s headed in the right direction, and hopefully, with all the support TransferRoom offered, we can build on this relationship and open up new markets.”
How @RangersFC signed Óscar Cortés ✍️
🤝 Agent-club connection made at a #TransferRoomSummit
🏴 Scottish side the right fit for South American talentsThe Colombian winger’s agency, Top Athlete Management, explains how the January loan, made again this summer, was possible.… pic.twitter.com/K2hHlnSzUZ
— TransferRoom (@transferroom) July 15, 2024
The Rangers’ partnership with the Cortes agency may be beneficial.
It can only be advantageous to have a positive working connection with a company such as Top Athlete Management.
A player trade model that works must capture players before they make their “big” move.
For Rangers, South America is a mostly unexplored market that may also be inexpensive if players are acquired at the appropriate time.
Oscar Cortes has only showed hints of his potential thus far, so supporters will be eager to see what he can do now that he has completed the preseason and is healthy. At £4 million, he will be expected to deliver.
When TransferRoom hosts another event in a few weeks, hopefully Koppen will find someone similar for the other wing.
Based on latest Rangers’ update, Copa America standout gets nearer to summer transfer
Among the players connected to Rangers from Latin America recently is Thomas Galdames.
Following the breakdown of the Jose Cordoba deal, 25-year-old Chileno defender from Ibrox was highlighted as a transfer target for initially unidentified Belgian teams.
In recent seasons, there has been an effort to develop the athletic 6ft Chilean into an aggressive left-back alternative; he is a natural center-back.
As Thomas Galdames gets ready to depart Godoy Cruz, there is a lot of gossip about him.
Following Chile’s exit from the Copa America, Galdames is prepared to make his next decision after the conversation about the player’s future stopped by the tournament.
Now a Belgian newspaper has been offering an update on Ranger’s interest in the defender and what is most likely to happen next.
Galdames closing in on a move.
Back in June, it was reported that Royal Antwerp, a Belgian team, is closely monitoring Thomas Galdames this summer.
According to the research, Rangers and the Pro League team were scheduled to fight for the defender’s signature in this transfer season.
Voetbal Nieuws have been offering a fresh report on the linkages, and shockingly, it seems that Royal Antwerp, not Rangers, is the destination, which is edging closer.
After negotiating a contract for Argentine left-sided Independiente defender Ayrton Costa, Antwerp is now said to be closing in on a double South American swoop.
With the Great Old looking to improve the left-back area of their team ahead of the new season, the circumstances involving Chilean center-back Thomas Galdames is a little more complicated.
Rangers’ interest in Galdames allegedly “cooled” with Antwerp in pole position to seize “advantage” from the circumstances.
Voetbal Nieuws estimates a deal to bring Galdames to Belgium is currently very much in the “pipeline,” even with Rangers perhaps absent from the scene.
Summer of left-back instability for Rangers
Although Thomas Galdames has a good profile, Rangers already want to have moved elsewhere.
After Borna Barisic left for Trabzonspor, the club brought Brazilian left-back Jefte to their ranks this summer.
Turkish variantRidvan Yilmaz is also expected to remain at Rangers next season despite connections to recently promoted Bundesliga team St Pauli.
Along with the defender enticed to move from AC Milan with the lure of first-team play, Rangers have included gifted left-sided centre-back Clinton Nsiala, 20, to their roster.
Another choice in the post and on a reasonable salary is Ben Davies, who has clearly been advised to leave the club.
Rangers are therefore at least well-stocked on the left-side of defence, and Thomas Galdames would have fierce competition to break through into the lineup.
Simultaneously, perhaps the club would rue a missed opportunity to acquire the Chilean if the defender moves to Antwerp and Rangers experiences more turbulence in this area of the team.
Rangers are in the middle of a power struggle, as Hotline punters can tell. Bennett and Clement have different ideas about one thing
Anthony Evans took your calls while some Hotline bettors were happy about England’s painful loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Even though Scotland’s Euro 2024 bid didn’t go as planned, a lot of people in the country were in the mood to party on Sunday night after seeing England lose again on the big stage.
Spain beat England 2-1, which was a fair result. Mikel Oyarzabal scored the game-winning goal four minutes from time, after Cole Palmer had cancelled out Nico Williams’ opening goal. It was England’s second straight loss in a European Championship final under Gareth Southgate, and people on the hotline wanted to pick on the unhappy team.
Someone from Rothesay named Jim McClean said, “It’s coming home. Sorry, England is coming home.” They got what they earned for how they played defence, thank God, Sir Gareth Southgate.Someone in London named Alfie Mullin agreed and said, “Well done, Spain.” “Hopefully that will shut up the cocky England fans until at least the next tournament,” said Wullie Graham from Bristol. “England’s cocky arrogance comes back to bite them once more,” he added. They still have tears on their faces from sadness, but Messrs. Lineker and Shearer are telling us they will win the next World Cup.
“Their problem is that they have good players but not a good team.” Spain deserved to win because they were so fun to watch the whole time. It would have been over before halftime for Spain if Pedri and Gavi had been available.
But some people who called the Hotline were surprised by how happy Scotland was about what happened in Berlin. In Newtonhill, Gary Stevenson said, “To all the Scots who tried to ruin the Euros Final, how embarrassing! Some of you even refused to watch it.” What do you think? Will they keep that ban in place and not watch the English Premiership? People thought Scotland was the worst team in the competition, which was an embarrassment. Be polite and don’t make them feel even worse by being rude.
The people of Scotland have kids who wear Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United, and Manchester City shirts. I don’t get why the so-called Scotland fans hate everything English. They can’t wait for the next Super Sunday to watch the English Premier League. I could be wrong, and thousands of Scots will cancel their contracts. England and then going home to watch them every week! That’s so embarrassing.”
On Sunday, however, Scotland had a real reason to celebrate: Bob MacIntyre, a golfer from Oban, beat Adam Scott to win the Scottish Open with a stunning showing in North Berwick. For some Hotline callers, this was the perfect end to a dream weekend.
While William Hutchison in Aberdeen said, “Seems England have a different view of ‘IT’S COMING HOME’….WELL DONE TO SCOTS (YUP SCOTS) Bob MacIntyre for lifting the golf tournament trophy at TROON…” Scott Gowers in Edinburgh said, “Congratulations to Spain (Euro’s) and Robert McIntyre (Scottish Open) for their well-deserved wins over the weekend.”
People were also talking about the ongoing mess at Rangers over the availability of Ibrox. One fan demanded that the club be put up for sale right away.Stephen Johnstone of Ardentinny said, “The mess at Ibrox Stadium: players’ contracts are being looked at, the board is split up, and the manager is going on and on.” Now that this government is in charge, is it time to sell the whole club before the bailiffs show up? It was thrown to the ground. Sir John Lawrence would be very angry.
Northampton’s Michael Emonds has also doubts about Philippe Clement’s claim that every player will be sold for the right price as Gers manager. “Could there be a power struggle at Ibrox?” he asked. Big Phil says that every player has a price, and he thinks that custodian Jack Butland is worth £30 million.
“I wonder what chairman John Bennett would do if, say, a £10 million offer came in for Butland. Could we see the chairman going against the group?” I believe Big Phil’s comments about the goalie and the broken vows he made in his job interview about having money to buy players are the first steps of him “working his ticket.”
But Fraserburgh’s Andrew Lamb then pushed back against the bad press about the Belgian boss. He said, “I’m disappointed by all the bad news about Rangers, but it’s all coming from spoiled brats who are so negative.” We won’t be able to judge Clement until after at least a full season.
Rangers to accepts £2m offer – Ibrox Sources
Sam Lammers “doesn’t figure” in the upcoming season’s plans for the Rangers.
Pete O’Rourke, a senior writer for Football Insider, expressed this opinion regarding Lammers’ future at Ibrox Stadium in an interview with the podcast Inside Track.
The 27-year-old was cut by Philippe Clement during the preseason and was sent to the Rangers B club this summer.
It’s an indication of the manager of the Gers’ perspective on the forward, leaving him uncertain about his future in the game.
Although a permanent agreement between the two clubs could not be reached, Lammers spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Utrecht.
The Scottish team is now hoping to make money off of the Dutch forward this summer as Clement has decided not to keep him in the lineup going forward.
Rangers will likely incur losses due to Sam Lammers.
Rangers paid £3.5 million to acquire Lammers from Atalanta at first, but sources claim they won’t recoup their investment.
Rather, the Gers will cut Lammers loose from the books this summer for a cost of £2 million.
The attacker demonstrated his abilities last season while playing for Utrecht, tallying 10 goals and dishing out three assists.
After those Eredivisie performances, sources say Holland would be interested in him, but the player’s future is still unknown.
But with everything going on at Ibrox Stadium, these are equally unsettling times for Rangers as a team.
According to Football Insider, the Gers will now open the season at Hampden Park because their home pitch is still under construction after delays in shipments.
Chris Jack provides an update on Diomande’s injury, following Rangers’ preseason matchup with Standard Liege
Chris Jack reports that Mohamed Diomande, a midfielder for Rangers, is “fine” and has resumed training despite initial concerns that he may have injured himself.
On Wednesday, July 10, the 22-year-old played the first half of the Light Blues’ preseason match against Standard Liege. After going down, he received some treatment, which raised some eyebrows.
Jack, a journalist for Rangers Review, is adamant that the midfield player is injury-free and that he was able to go through the rehabilitation process and do interviews without any more problems.
On July 11, at 19:30, he made the following statement on The Rangers Review YouTube channel: “The only injury doubt or concern, I spoke to Joshua about yesterday, was Mohamed Diomande.”
“I brought up the fact that he left the game and was able to walk back to the dressing room after receiving some treatment late in the first half.
He appeared fine when he chatted with a few members of the press earlier for an interview that would be released during the upcoming games. Thankfully, there aren’t any major worries there as he trained and completed the recovery session earlier.
Do Rangers have any plans to make any additions during the summer transfer window?
The fact that one of their more recent arrivals won’t be missing a significant portion of preseason due to injury is at least encouraging news, even though supporters will be unhappy by the dearth of transfer activity surrounding Ibrox at this time.
Diomande made an impression on both fans and analysts during the previous season after moving to Glasgow in January, and now that he has decided to make Scotland his permanent home, there will be expectations that he can continue to improve and achieve new heights.
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The 23-year-old will need to play a lot of football over the coming months because only Connor Barron has arrived as a replacement in midfield after the departures of Ryan Jack and John Lundstram were confirmed earlier this summer.
With any luck, he can avoid injuries and build on his strong start to the previous campaign to truly take off under Philippe Clement.
Still, he and the supporters will be hoping the Gers add one or two more players to help him.
Kieran Dowell lets out his fury with the Rangers as the midfielder gives a brutally honest assessment of his first Ibrox season
After moving to Govan last summer, Dowell had an injury-plagued campaign and found it difficult to give the Ibrox supporters his all.
The first to acknowledge that the Ibrox supporters didn’t see their greatest side last season was Kieran Dowell. primarily because they hardly ever saw him.
The former playmaker for Norwich was supposed to play a major role in Michael Beale’s plan for a Rangers comeback last summer. Instead, a string of ailments derailed his Glasgow debut campaign, and he barely made it onto the supporting cast in Govan. Throughout a season tinged with frustration, he managed just six starts and ten substitute appearances overall.
There were times when it appeared he was going to make the kind of impact Beale had in mind when he brought the former Carrow Road apprentice north. A goal on Christmas Eve against Motherwell turned out to be the ideal present as new manager Philippe Clement battled a horrific injury list.
He helped the Gers come back from a two-goal deficit in April’s 3-3 Old Firm draw at Ibrox, and his performance off the bench was critical in turning that derby thriller around. However, all of those events turned out to be brief high points in a season that culminated in Celtic defeating Celtic in both the league and the Scottish Cup.
Now, as the Rangers prepare for the upcoming season, Dowell hopes to leave a more profound imprint on the fan base. After Standard Liege’s preseason bounce game, he stated, “I’d like to think there is more to come from me.”
“Last season, I didn’t start many games. It was, I believe, four or five games. Additionally, not many people appeared. They haven’t seen my finest side. In actuality, they haven’t seen much of me.
“Perhaps they succeed in the upcoming season. It was just so frustrating, my first year. Really annoying. Being a central midfielder, a position I hadn’t really played before, I was obviously learning a new one. That was because of things like availability, but it was really annoying that injuries occurred in between.
However, I feel better now. I feel rejuvenated, having rested well over the summer, and I’m in peak physical condition right now. I recall beating Motherwell, things were going great, and then I took another hit. That’s football for you, though, is how it happened.
You may pout all you want about it, but it happened, and now that it’s over, I feel strong once more. What can I rely on during those times? Everybody in the club. These guys are excellent at keeping you in your place. They will either put you down if you’re getting ahead of yourself or encourage you to keep going if you’re not. That set of guys is excellent for that. Of course, my friends and family also provided a lot of assistance.
After that thrilling match, Dowell left the ground with Celtic thinking he had saved the Green Bay Packers from a jail sentence. His club had trailed the team led by Brendan Rodgers by two goals on both occasions before rallying behind goals from Abdullah Sima and a Rabbi Matondo scream.
The next week, he was rewarded for his efforts with an unusual start at Ross County. However, the Dingwall loss had far-reaching effects beyond Rangers’ hopes of winning the league.
(Image: PA)
“It was clearly a difficult day for every player on the pitch,” he remarked. Although I started the game, I don’t believe anyone else played particularly well that day. That causes you to suffer in the end, but that’s the nature of football. The only thing left to do after being kicked off the team is to continue training and working hard.
The depressing atmosphere that pervaded Ibrox at the close of the previous season has hardly subsided, and new controversy has arisen after it was revealed Clement’s team may need to leave Ibrox for several weeks due to a building error on the Copland Road.
All of that has increased the pressure on the Light Blues as they attempt to strike a balance between their two very important goals—qualifying for the Champions League and getting a head start in the Premiership. Even though Dowell has only been in Glasgow for a year, it’s enough time to realise that if either of those goals is compromised, there will be a massive meltdown. However, he has also learnt from the previous season how crucial it is to avoid exaggerating a small setback.
The most important lesson, he continued, is to understand that we are never truly done. Everyone believes it’s finished after our disappointing start to the season and the departure of the manager who signed me. It appears to be finished when you see the Press, but it wasn’t.
By season’s end, it was back in our possession. As a result, you never know when to give up. Should we aim for a quicker start this season?
“Ideally no, but even in that case, you’re still in it. In my first season, I guess I thought we were done, but we weren’t. Of course you want to get off to a quick start, but the season is lengthy.
Dowell checked in last summer as one of nine new additions. Clement is making sure he assists the summer recruits in settling in. He has added five this time so far, but more are planned.
“I always try to welcome the new lads,” he remarked. It’s a fantastic organisation for that kind of activity, I believe. Many boys have recently joined, and it’s encouraging to see everyone putting in a lot of effort on the pitch.
“After taking a quick break and cleaning up, the guys are back on track and ready to go after it. For this club, every season is undoubtedly crucial, but maybe we can succeed.
Even though Clement wasn’t the one who signed him, Dowell is content with the tight relationship he has with his Belgian manager right now. Regarding the positive indicators he observes in his relationship with Clement, he remarked, “I believe it is the quantity of times he uses me.
“He is an excellent trainer who provides you with a lot of assistance. I’ve learned a lot from him about assuming new positions as a centre midfielder. I’m glad he’s already added a couple strings to my bow. He pushes you to try new things and wants you to play. He’s an effective manager.
£3.5 million release clause surfaces as Rangers in advanced negotiations for a new acquisition claims
To surpass Fenerbahce to his signature, Rangers will have to pay Adama Traore’s £3.5 million release clause, according to AfricaFoot.
Writing on their website (7 July), the news source notes that the Mali winger has been in “advanced talks” [AfricaFoot, 26 May], but now Jose Mourinho’s team presents fierce competition.
According to reports, the 29-year-old has a release clause in his contract and Ferencvaros are ready to sell to the best bidder, so Philippe Clement might have to approve paying the whole price.
Rangers still need attacking choices at Ibrox until 2024/25.
With six players now confirmed as fresh team members, Clement and Rangers have been somewhat busy in the summer window.
Although Jefte, Clinton Nsiala, Connor Barron, Liam Kelly, Hamza Igamane, Oscar Cortes have already put pen to paper, the squad is nowhere near as strong as it should be when the season opens next month.
Attack is an area that particularly requires additions with the future of Cyriel Dessers up in the air [Chris Jack, 3 July], Sam Lammers most likely to leave and significant questions regarding Todd Cantwell [The Sun, 20 June], Scott Wright and Tom Lawrence also.
Philippe Clement is likely to be frustrated at Rangers
Traore would bring experience to the team and having won medals in the past, it may well be the kind of signing required to support a youthful squad along in a race.
However, Rangers will have to act fast or miss another target this summer since Mourinho is now definitely in the battle for his signature.
Clement’s must-have goals, the latest on transfers, and his choices for strikers – Chris Jack Talks About It
Rangers are one week closer to being able to play again now that another week of summer is over.Philippe Clement’s team will spend the next few days at a training camp in Holland as they ramp up their preparations for the new season. Soon, they will have a lot of games to play, so they need to be ready to go right away.
Recently, the deal for Hamza Igamane has been the main topic of conversation. There has also been a lot of talk about a move for Kenny McLean. Off the field, fans are still waiting to find out where Clement’s team will play their home games in August.
Ibrox is always busy, even when the week isn’t very busy. Chris Jack takes some questions from readers of Rangers Review here.
Are we planning to put money into younger players and use loans to help them gain experience?
When the manager recently spoke to RangersTV, he talked about the need for experienced players, which is a sign of things to come during the next part of the window. The deals that brought in Jefte, Clinton Nsiala, and Oscar Cortes were made with the long term in mind, but they need to perform this season. Don’t forget that Clement is building up both a team and a group.
The loan market is something that Rangers could use, but those moves are more likely to be the finishing touches than the building blocks. According to the example given, signing McLean would not cost a lot of money but would give the team the experience it needs.
Rangers have a lot going on right now. There will be a mix of short-term and long-term deals, with younger players with promise and older players with experience. This mix is important for Clement because any move he makes will have sports and money effects.
How many players do we need to sign if Dessers leaves?
I think it will be one in and one out. From this week’s Rangers Review, we learned that teams in Saudi Arabia, France, and Spain, along with PAOK, were all interested in Dessers. Fans have different feelings about the striker, but most wouldn’t mind if the £4.5 million fee and his salary were used to buy another forward.
Clement will be careful with Danilo because he just got back to the team after hurting his knee. We don’t know enough about Igamane yet to say whether he will be a big hit right away or whether it will take him some time to get used to Ibrox.
That does give Clement a problem to solve because August is going to be very busy and important. Rangers must get a centre forward with a lot of experience. Since Clement only uses one player in the middle, it would be strange for him to add a fourth choice for that spot. In the last third, it will be up to other people to participate.
Do you believe Danilo has been missed as a No. 10 or second striker?
People were pretty excited when Danilo was signed last summer, and a lot of that energy was fair since a Brazilian forward had just been bought for £6 million. Fans are still interested in Danilo a year later, but this time for a different reason.
As was already said, it would be unfair to expect too much from him too soon. Also, any player who has surgery to repair a cruciate knee ligament and then has to go through the necessary therapy needs to get back in shape. Still, Clement needs Danilo to help out and score some goals this season.
Rangers will put money into the key spot, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if players like Todd Cantwell and Tom Lawrence left. Danilo was signed as a No. 9, which is what he will do most of the time. Clement shouldn’t move him a little lower; instead, he should make him stronger at No. 10 and then, hopefully, decide who leads the line.
Could they still be sold, even if they are in training camp next week?
There are times when it’s easier to just let people go. During the window, a lot of names have been thrown around as possible exits, but nothing is certain until there is money and contracts on the table. Things do need to move a little faster, though.
Rangers can’t play with a big team. In terms of football or money, it doesn’t make sense, and Clement won’t want players who aren’t in his plans to stay in the locker room for too long.
Supporters shouldn’t worry too much about who is going to Holland yet because the window is still pretty open. Things can happen very quickly, and players and managers can make things happen when they recognise what is going on. Going on the plane doesn’t mean you’ll be in the group when the window ends.
Are we going to get a right center-back?
This part of the team still has a lot of work to do. According to the Rangers Review, the deal for Jose Cordoba fell through a few weeks ago. Nsiala is the only centre back that has been signed so far. Since there are a lot of people in that spot, that might not be a surprise.
It was easy to deal with Leon Balogun, and he meets a lot of criteria, but he is not a normal starter. If the right deal comes in, the club will sell Connor Goldson. Ben Davies and Leon King also look like they are not needed by the team. At least one person has to come in if three leave.
John Souttar didn’t have a great season, but he did well overall and will try to win that spot in the position where he is most comfortable. Many people were wondering why he was so reliable when it came to selection last season. However, he is not promised a jersey because a right-sided recruit is expected to arrive.
What do you think makes a player experienced? Someone between the ages of 24 and 26 who has played a few seasons or someone over 30? Or maybe someone who has played X number of first-team games at a good level since they made their start when they were young?
As the time has gone on at Ibrox, the experience factor has become more important. It makes sense when you look at the backgrounds of some of the candidates. Cortes has only played a few games in a blue shirt and Nsiala hasn’t played a first team game. Jefte has also not played at this level before. Igamane is an unknown quantity and can’t be judged on paper, as was said above.
In general, I don’t think people should care too much about how old a recruit is. A player can get the skills and information he needs in just a few seasons if he works with good professionals and at a high level.
As long as most of your games don’t come off the bench at the last minute, you should know your way around by the time you’ve played, say, 100 games. In the end, each case must be looked at separately.
What do you think is a reasonable goal for the coming season, given how many changes are being made to the team and how little money we have for what is basically a complete rebuild? Do you think Clement will get the same amount of time as Gerrard for it?
Rangers will not give up on winning the Premiership title. It will always be that way. People think that a season is a failure if the trophies are not at Ibrox at the end of it. Even if the Scottish Cup had been won last year, Clement would have been criticised for not being able to lead his team to victory in the top flight.
Things are very different now than they were when Gerrard took over. It would be crazy to keep Clement in charge for a third try at the title if the Rangers fail this time. That might not be fair, given what he walked into. That’s just how things are at Ibrox, though.
Rangers need to stop hiring and firing managers and putting together new teams that don’t do well. The dugout and dressing room need to be stable for the club. That doesn’t mean you should stick with a plan that isn’t working, and this term Clement and these players have a lot to show. No one else will know that better than him.
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