Rangers lined-up for their first ‘proper’ pre-season friendly of the season against Standard Liege with a very familiar look to the starting XI.
Only Connor Barron out of the new signings were in the lineup, however, it was encouraging to see Oscar Cortes on the team sheet again.
One name who many thought might not be seen in a Rangers shirt again is Cyriel Dessers who continues to be linked with multiple clubs and his possible replacement has been speaking about recent transfer speculation.
Philippe Clement will be happier already with his forward line now than he was last season.
Danilo is almost fully fit and Hamza Igamane has also been added to a squad in desperate need for extra fire power.
There were never any doubts about Kemar Roofe’s ability to find the back of the net, his problem was staying fit.
Albion Rrahmani reveals dream move amid Rangers links
The rumour mill has gone quiet recently but one name has consistently been mentioned in relation to a move to Rangers – Albion Rrahmani.
A fee of around £5m is said to be the figure that Rapid Bucharest are looking for which suggests that Rangers will need to sell Dessers first.
Not for finance reasons, but because there is no justification for having so much money sitting on the bench most weeks.
An offer has already been rejected from Slavia Prague, but there has been nothing official from Rangers, yet.
Speaking to Orange Sport, Rrahmani is not being distracted by the speculation:
“I am here. I am 100% focused on Rapid. I will fight for the team, for the fans, because they always support us. As long as I am here, I will give my all.
When asked about Bologna’s interest, he replied:
“I don’t know. If they offer something, I will talk to Mr. Şucu (Rapid’s owner), if it’s a good offer for me, I will decide.
“My interest is to play in the top five leagues in Europe. I hope to achieve that one day.”
Nils Koppen is up against it competing with top five leagues
The SPFL is not one of the top five leagues in Europe, which is an obstacle that Nils Koppen will have to consistently overcome when trying to persuade players to come to Scotland.
Rrahmani is affordable and offers the all-round profile that Rangers will be looking for in their centre-forwards.
At 6ft 2inches tall, good in the air and with both feet, the Kosovo international is very much the modern number nine but with the physicality to cope with the more agricultural side of Scottish football.
Competing with teams from countries like Italy is never easy but speed could be of the essence.
Rapid won’t particularly care where Rrahmani goes, as long as they get their £5m.
Plus, Rapid have already signed his replacement.
