Andrew Cavenagh’s summer masterclass is taking shape, and the signing of Lawrence Shankland would be the clearest evidence yet that the Rangers’ chairman is a genius.
It emerged on Saturday that the Light Blues are working on a deal to sign Shankland from Hearts within 48 hours in a bid to acquire his services before he jets out to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With more reports emerging on Sunday morning, it appears it is only a matter of time before the Scotland international puts pen to paper on a contract at Ibrox.
Would Rangers have won the league if they signed Lawrence Shankland instead of Youssef Chermiti?
Lawrence Shankland to sign two-year deal at Ibrox
Sky Sports have confirmed that Rangers are in advanced talks to sign the Hearts captain immediately, with discussions revolving around a two-year deal with an option to extend.
The timing is everything, as the Gers are moving fast to get the deal over the line before Shankland links with the Scotland squad for the World Cup this summer, and there are suggestions that the striker is cutting his holiday short to finalise the move.
Cast your mind back to what Andrew Cavenagh said at the end of the season – a pro-Scottish bias in recruitment, leaders, and players who know how to win in Scotland.
He has said it publicly, and now he is delivering on it.
Shankland ticks every single box. He’s Scottish, proven at the highest level of the Premiership for several seasons, and a captain who dragged Hearts within touching distance of glory.
The kind of leader Danny Rohl was heard demanding from his chairman in the Tynecastle tunnel just weeks ago.
David Edgar suggested that there is a release clause in Shankland’s contract at Hearts, while some reports claim the clause allows him to finalise a transfer for free.
That means Cavenagh is not only signing the right player, but he is also doing so without paying a single penny to another club. That is smart recruitment.
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Shankland’s arrival would immediately alter the dynamic at Ibrox.
Paired alongside Youssef Chermiti, who demonstrated his own clinical edge with two hat-tricks this season, Rangers would suddenly possess one of the most potent striking partnerships in Scottish football.
Beyond goals, Shankland brings the captaincy credentials Rohl‘s side will miss in James Tavernier’s absence.
The 30-year-old is a natural leader, a proven winner, and a player who lives for the big occasion.
Cavenagh promised to rebuild Rangers the right way and Shankland is proof he meant every word.
