Kris Boyd, before Rangers travelled to the home of arch rivals Celtic on Sunday, expressed his concerns that Philippe Clement was presiding over a weaker squad of players now than he had been at the end of May.
Boyd’s point, it’s fair to say, was only exacerbated by one of the club’s most limp, lifeless Old Firm derby displays in some time.
Is Vaclav Cerny, who struggled so dramatically against Celtic, the answer to Rangers’ long-running right-wing issues? Can Conor Barron stamp his authority on in the most high pressure of situations as Ryan Jack once did?
Are Jefte and Robin Propper upgrades on the peak-era Borna Barisic and Connor Goldson?
It is too early to judge, of course. Three of the aforementioned quartet are new to Scottish football, after all, while Barron has been largely excellent since following in Jack’s footsteps from Aberdeen to Ibrox.
But Boyd’s argument, via the Scottish Sun, still stands.
And while Todd Cantwell’s 18 month spell north of the border can perhaps best be described as underwhelming, the arrival of Nedim Bajrami – signing for £3 million more than Rangers got from Blackburn Rovers – sees another largely unknown quantity touch down in place of a man who, despite all his critics, still managed 15 goals or assists in 2023/24.
Rangers sell Todd Cantwell to Blackburn Rovers
Cantwell brought an end to his Rangers exile on deadline day.
The former Norwich City playmaker returned to England’s second tier. He joined Blackburn for a knockdown fee of £500,000, which also does little to quell Boyd’s concerns about Rangers’ ability to sell players for decent value.
After his rather lonely walk out of the Ibrox back door, Cantwell has been welcomed with open arms and Cheshire grin smiles at Ewood Park.
Rovers boss John Eustace claims that Cantwell was Blackburn’s ‘number one target’ for the attacking midfield role, while backing the one-time Man City linked star to rediscover the form that once put him among the division’s most influential creators.
“Todd was the number one target for the club and they brought him in, which was great,” Eustace, who also confirmed his interest in Rabbi Matondo, tells the Lancashire Telegraph.
“Hopefully, he can establish himself again as a top Championship player. We will give him the environment to do that. Everyone is happy he is here.
“I think the club have brought in the players they wanted to bring in, which is great. They are all good characters.
“They all have a point to prove so I’m sure they will all be good additions to what we already have got. I’m happy with the balance. We have more competition for places.”
Nedim Bajrami and Neraysho Kasanwirjo arrive
Unbeaten Blackburn are fifth in the table after four matches, flying high despite the departure of Golden Boot winner Sammie Szmodics to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town.
Cantwell’s Ibrox replacement Bajrami will have to wait until mid-September to make his Rangers bow, however. The silky Albania international arrived too late for Sunday’s Parkhead encounter.
As such, the trip to Dundee United in a fortnight’s time could offer Gers fans their first glimpse at both Bajrami and fellow last-gasp arrival Neraysho Kasanwirjo.
“Neraysho is a versatile defender,” Clement says, broadcast on Rangers’ official YouTube channel.
“The important thing for me also is that he’s used to playing in Feyenoord, in De Kuip. A stadium where you have a similar atmosphere to Ibrox, with fans who are demanding, who are on top of the players, who are on top of the pitch.
“Even though he’s a young player, he has the experience – also with Holland U21 – and playing abroad already.
“He can give us versatility to be one of the centre-backs. But (Kasanwirjo) also can play on right or left full-back. He gives more depth in the squad in that way.
“With Nedim Bajrami, we have somebody with experience at the highest levels,” Clement adds. “Who can play in midfield, but also can play on the wings.
“So, that helps the squad in the totality.”
