Without making any signings at all Rangers could be stronger next season if Philippe Clement can fix the issue that frustrated him the most – injuries.
Having one or two players missing and blaming that would be an excuse, however, the manager frequently had to contend with an injury list into double figures.
Not only that, but he also had to make do without his first-choice forward line for the entirety of the second half of the season with Danilo a £6m observer from the stands.
Danilo reflects as Rangers striker looks back on injury hell
To cement the point being made, Rangers could line up with Oscar Cortes, Danilo and Ianis Hagi as the front three for their first game of the season.
Without question, that is better than anything that was seen last year.
That Cortes and Abdallah Sima never played together or Cortes and Danilo highlights just how hamstrung Clement was.
The signs are looking good for the new campaign though with Danilo keen to put his injury nightmare behind him and start afresh:
“It’s been crazy if I look back. There were things that I wish I could do, but at that moment I couldn’t do it. It was hard, but those moments make me stronger.
“Everyone was really relaxed with me and really patient, so they have all given me really good confidence.
“I remember the little moments, like when I first started running and my first contact with the ball again. It was like when you’re a kid and first start to play football, and I was in my happy place to be back out on the field.
“There’s still a lot to work on and I’m not 100 per cent done yet, but I’m working hard to achieve that.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to do a full pre-season last year because I arrived later. It’s good to start pre-season with the boys and get that connection.
“It’s been a long journey for me, and the most important thing is that I take care of my knee and make sure it’s 100 per cent for the start of the season.”
Danilo must be Rangers main man in new-look forward line
Danilo couldn’t have been any unluckier last season.
Two freak injuries that he couldn’t do anything about and that, hopefully, will never happen again.
His record before coming to Ibrox had been exemplary too so he will want to show who he really is when club football returns.
The 25-year old Brazilian played less than 1000 minutes in 2023/24 and yet he still managed to chip in with six goals and five assists.
Basically, a goal or an assist in every 90 minutes that he played.
Yes, he missed chances, but so does every striker, the difference was that he was more suitable for the football that Philippe Clement was trying to play.
Danilo might not be the tallest but he is good in the air, he’s a good presser and can finish on either foot – when he gets a chance to shoot, he takes it.
Hamza Igamane is arriving to provide back-up and a rotation option whilst Cyriel Dessers is expected to move.
With Danilo as first choice there will be space and money for another striker, if Dessers leaves.
Even if he doesn’t, there should only be one choice to lead the line when everyone is fit.
