Rangers underwent one of the biggest overhauls in recent memory when 16 players walked out the gates at Ibrox this summer and 11 came in to replace them.
It’s been a rocky few months at Rangers as the club closes their early-season Hampden chapter and stabilises after some rocky results in the first part of the season.
But as the international break allows everyone at Ibrox to catch a breather, it’s a chance to reflect on the success of those players with whom fans are still building a relationship.
Now, Rangers News writers Cameron Willis and Gavin Kelly assess this season’s new arrivals and which of the bunch gets their vote as this season’s best summer signing so far.
Young Rangers star who is already a fan favourite
Here’s what Cameron has to say on the new arrivals at Rangers:
It’s been a genuinely hectic few months at Rangers and it feels like none of us have had the chance to catch our breath.
As Creag Robertson leaves his role as director of football operations leaving four executive roles at the top of Rangers lying vacant, the off-pitch chaos continues.
Between Hampden, the squad overhaul and the uncertainty at the top of the marble staircase, Rangers fans have had plenty on their minds before we even talk about the football.
On the pitch, Rangers can reflect on a positive few weeks since the September international break having played six matches and won five of them without conceding the goal.
The 4-1 Europa League humbling at the hands of Lyon has Gers fans worrying about the bigger challenges which lay on the horizon, however.
In that space of time Rangers fans have gotten a closer glimpse of a number of the new signings who are now become more familiar in the Gers squad.
Vaclav Cerny has been front and centre but closed off a disappointing few weeks with a deadly double v St Johnstone.
Robin Propper has impressed in patches, whilst Connor Barron continues to become a mainstay in Philippe Clement’s team.
Late additions Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Nedim Bajrami have shown flashes of what they can bring to the side whilst Hamza Igamane continues to integrate to Scottish football.
But if we’re talking about which of the new arrivals has been ‘the best’ so far, then the choice is easy.
Brazilian left-back Jefte plays with a consistent assurance beyond his 20 years and looks a clear upgrade on an ageing Borna Barisic.
One of the poster boys of the youthful revolution at Ibrox, Jefte gets my backing as the signing of the season to date and I suspect the best is still yet to come.
Surprise choice for ‘Rangers’ latest addition’
Here’s what Gavin has to say on the new arrivals at Rangers:
Rangers’ form hasn’t been anywhere near as bad as some have made out with a daily barrage of criticism suggesting that Philippe Clement’s job is hanging by a thread.
Look a little deeper and the progress is clear, thanks mainly to the new recruits that have been brought in.
The younger, more dynamic squad still needs a bit of work but there is a lot to be positive about.
Connor Barron will have surprised even himself with how often he has played and how important he has become and is a serious contender for the player of the season so far.
Jefte is another.
The marauding left-back has impressed at left-back and on the wing to the extent that Ridvan Yilmaz will struggle to get his place back in the team.
The 20-year old Brazilian should be the template for future signings in terms of talent, athleticism and attitude.
The signing of the summer though, technically, has been Ianis Hagi.
Clement confirmed that his demotion to the B team came as a result of a contract clause that has now been resolved with Hagi agreeing to a compromise.
With 40-caps, Hagi is now Rangers most experienced forward and his cameo against St Johnstone typified what he can bring to the club.
Even the red card showed a will to win and desire to fight for the cause, despite the rustiness in the challenge being evident.
If Hagi isn’t allowed, pushing him close is Nedim Bajrami.
The Albanian doesn’t seem to have misplaced a pass or made a heavy touch yet and has made a habit of making bad passes look good.
In every game he has featured, he has created chances and looks a level above anything Clement has at his disposal in terms of technical abiltiy – except Hagi…
