Giovanni van Bronckhorst leading Rangers into the knockout playoff round of the Europa League in his first game in charge may lead to a squad headache come January.
With European football guaranteed after Christmas, plus league and Scottish Cup games coming thick and fast, does the new manager need to strengthen in the January transfer window?
While the work done by Steven Gerrard to improve squad depth ensures there’s no need for panic, as the turn of the year approaches, there may be some issues the manager will need to address.
The Africa Cup of Nations is being held from January to February and realistically, the club could lose three key players.
Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun, and Calvin Bassey all aspire to feature for Nigeria in the continental competition and this could be a massive blow for Rangers.
With the Gers having limited options in the centre of defence right now, could the club make a move for another defender in January to ease the pressure? The likes of John Souttar and Danilho Doekhi have been linked but van Bronckhorst could even recall Niko Katic from his loan spell at Hajduk split.
The Ibrox side’s European success may also come at a cost as more and more attention is being lavished upon talents such as Ryan Kent and Glen Kamara from potential suitors.
Can van Bronckhorst fend other sides off from our prized assets, or will a bid come in that’s too good to turn down?
The Dutchman will have his own transfer targets in mind since joining the club and if players of the ilk of Kent and Kamara were to go, reinforcements would be required.
Given that sporting director Ross Wilson asserted that funds will be available for the right players, GvB may well make an addition or two in January to put his own stamp on the squad and give the side the best possible chance of success on all fronts.
Speaking of signings, the club has made a key off the field appointment, as a new customer service manager has been announced.
