With many of those big-name veterans unable to make the desired effect during Rangers’ first season back in the Premiership, Mark Warburton went into the January transfer window looking for something a little different.
Niko Kranjcar, a marquee signing for the prodigal sons of Scottish football in the middle of 2016, would suffer a cruciate ligament injury only a few months into his Rangers career. By that point, Joey Barton had been suspended ahead of an eventual termination of his contract.
As such, Mark Warburton approached the winter market with a desire not only to fill a considerable void in the midfield department, but also to add some fresh legs and youth exuberance following a summer spent largely chasing footballing pensioners.
And, according to reports, Jon Toral quickly emerged as Rangers’ number one transfer target.
The Arsenal kid had worked with Warburton before, at Brentford. In fact, it was the man then in the Ibrox dugout who handed Toral his senior debut two years prior.
And, having scored 16 goals while assisting seven more in previous loan spells at Brentford and Birmingham City, expectations were high for Toral north of the border.
“Whether it’s Birmingham City, Rangers or whoever, fans need a player who can lift the crowd, provide a little bit of magic and be the difference in a game,” former Blues boss Gary Rowett said shortly before The Gers secured Toral’s services on a short-term deal until the end of the 2016/17 campaign.
“Jon can do that, he’s that type of player. He brings something different.”
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Jon Toral missed out on Rangers stay after Mark Warburton exit
Alongside fellow January recruit Emerson Hyndman, Toral was a bright spark in an inconsistent Rangers season. Six goal contributions in only 14 starts was a promising return.
Former Rangers midfielder Alex Rae argued at the time, in the Scottish Sun, that the £3 million-rated playmaker was worth keeping around on a full-time basis.
But, when the summer rolled around, Warburton was gone. So were Toral’s hopes of a permanent move.
With the madcap Pedro Caixinha preferring to bring in his own players during a chaotic and largely unsuccessful summer, Toral instead returned across Hadrian’s Wall with Hull City.
Eight years on, however, what has become of Jon Toral? Formerly a stand-out talent in Barcelona’s fabled La Masia academy and a bright young hope at Arsenal?
Well, Toral would be released by Hull City following their relegation to the third tier. A return to Birmingham did not go to plan, partly due to a hamstring injury. Toral then spent three years in Cyprus with OFI Crete before joining Mumbai City in India during the summer of 2024.
Former Ibrox starlet explains why he moved to India
At the age of 30, a time when most footballers are reaching the peak of their powers, the Indian Super League may not have been the destination Jon Toral was expecting when rising through the ranks at Barcelona.
Former Rangers striker Greg Stewart loved life in India during his own spell at Mumbai City a few seasons back though, and Toral arrived in Maharashtra with nothing but enthusiasm and a desire to make his mark.
“I am incredibly excited to begin this new chapter of my life in India,” Toral said upon putting pen to paper with a club he describes as ‘special’ nearly a year ago. “Mumbai City has a strong track record of winning trophies and is one of the most successful clubs in the country.
“The club’s commitment to their philosophy and values is of the highest order, making it an easy decision for me to join.”
Sitting sixth, a staggering 20 points off the top, Toral’s influence will not be enough to help Mumbai City take back the crown they wore in both 2023 and 2021.
But, after a slow start dogged by injury, Toral opened his account for his new employers this month
The beginning of something special, perhaps, for a man who played against Lionel Messi, sampled the atmosphere of an Old Firm derby, and is now looking to put India on the footballing map?
“It’s been great,” Toral told Rev Sportz. “The family is settled in, the kids are going to an international school here, and my wife is happy as well. Everything is going according to plan. Now, it’s just time to focus on football, get the results, and move up the table.
“At this stage of my career, I wanted a challenge that would give me the chance to fight for titles. In Europe, that’s not always easy, given the leagues and levels. Mumbai City FC offered that opportunity.
“The club has a history of winning titles, and I wanted to be part of that.”
