Rangers have several issues to address both on and off the pitch this summer, but the biggest concern will always be how competitive the team is on the pitch.
The current Rangers squad is a mix of strategies from various managers and sporting/recruitment directors.
There aren’t enough wingers who can help to beat a low block in one-v-one situations, physical centre-halves who can dominate a penalty area, or midfielders who can put their foot on the ball and dictate the tempo of a game.
And this is before individual positions are considered.
For one of the problems, there is the beginning of a solution, but it wouldn’t come cheap after Vaclav Cerny waved goodbye to Rangers in front of a half empty Ibrox.
Ferguson hints that Vaclav Cerny could return to Rangers
With 18 goals and nine assists across the season, Cerny has been one of the best signings of recent seasons.
In the league, he has a goal contribution every two games, exactly the sort of numbers that a Rangers forward should be posting.
This sort of quality doesn’t come cheap, but Barry Ferguson hasn’t written off a permanent move:
“No, he was brought off because he was tired. That’s why I brought him off,” Ferguson said when asked about Cerny’s substitution.
“Listen, he’s loved it here. I’ve got a really good relationship with Vash. Who knows what’s going to happen going forward. But one thing about Vash, he’s been a top operator for Rangers this year. He’s loved it. You just never know what’s going to happen in the future.”
What could be the deciding factor in making Cerny deal?
The takeover by the 49ers Enterprises group will be completed soon which will secure the club’s financial future and give a better indication of what transfer funds are available this summer.
Then there is the possible appointment of Davide Ancelotti as the next Rangers manager, the sort of coup that could entice a higher calibre of player to Ibrox.
Cerny has shown, when he is fit, that he can guarantee goals at club level and he won’t be short of offers if Wolfsburg get the sort of fee that they are looking for.
Reports suggest that anywhere between £6-8m could be enough which is right at the limit of Rangers reach, however, if they want to close the gap on Celtic, this is exactly the sort of signing that needs to be made.
