Rangers’ January transfer window promised, well, little and it delivered, well, pretty much what was promised.
Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart warned fans that the Gers were looking at one player, maybe two, with the focus on outgoings this January.
And so it has proved as Rangers trimmed the fat in their squad and added Rafael Fernandes on loan from Lille in France.
Rangers have also agreed a pre-contract deal for Lyall Cameron whilst talk of a new winger dominated the headlines all winter long.
As the dust settles on the transfer window, we’ve spoken to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about the window that was.
Graeme has over two decades of experience working as a journalist at some of the country’s top publications.
Here is Graeme’s take on the comings and goings at Ibrox in an exclusive Q&A with Rangers News.
Graeme Bailey Rangers News transfer Q&A
Rangers made one signing this January, with Rafael Fernandes arriving on a loan-to-buy.
What do you know about the Lille defender and his chances at Ibrox?
“He is very highly-rated, well he was when he was coming through at Sporting. He went to Lille with a good reputation but it has not worked out.
”The move to Rangers is a chance for him to get things back on track. They are hopeful he could be a very astute pick-up but it is a gamble and Rangers know that, but he has good pedigree.”
Rangers also agreed a pre-contract for Lyall Cameron after Nils Koppen had claimed the club were looking to shop local.
What do you think about this deal and Cameron’s prospects as a player?
”We know they have looked at Lennon Miller and David Watson in the market, and Connor Barron they brought in recently – I don’t mind it but is that really progressing the likes of Bailey Rice.. I’m not fully convinced.”
Rangers also failed to capture a new winger, with a deal for Yorbe Vertessen failing early on deadline day.
What do you know about Rangers’ interest in the position and what they might be looking for this summer?
”They do want wide-men I am told – we know Tommy Lawrence is not in the picture and a few others beside him have moved in. They want depth, which is something they really don’t have.”
Rangers focused on outgoings with Alex Lowry, Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell leaving the first team.
How do you rate Matondo and Dowell’s chances of leaving permanently this summer?
“Well – they have both gone out on-loan which carries it’s own risk – if they go out and perform you have someone to come back and challenge or sell, but if they don’t you are lumbered with them.
“I don’t see Rangers getting much for either to be honest, but let’s see how the loan situation pans out.”
You also followed the Leon King situation closely. What happened there and how close was the defender to leaving Rangers?
“There were a lot of options for him – Championship and League One in England, and three or four in Scotland – talks were advancing but he got injured so it didn’t work out.
”Again we have seen Fernandes come in, is that helping bring through these youngsters? Rangers know the title is gone, they need to see what they have got.”
Another Rangers player linked to the exit door is Hamza Igamane. There’s a lot of reported Premier League interest from the likes of Everton and Spurs.
What have you heard about interest in the striker?
“He is a talented boy – I think the game against Spurs at Ibrox really convinced his English suitors that he was someone who was the real deal.
“I would be shocked if he is still at Ibrox next season, I have to be honest.”
Vaclav Cerny has been a revelation on loan at Rangers but a permanent deal seems a long shot.
Have you heard of any transfer competition for the winger and what would it take for the Gers to secure the transfer?
“Cerny has played really well, the loan has been great for him – I am told the player would be very open to staying but he isn’t going to be cheap and I understand he is also attracting interest from England and back in Germany too.
”I think Rangers will try but it doesn’t look positive from what I am hearing at the moment.”
With the January window in mind, how do you fancy Rangers chances’ in the Europa League this season and can fans start looking out their passports for Bilbao?
”I really hope they do, but like I would advise them not to buy shirts with Igamane or Cerny on the back in the summer, I wouldn’t go looking for them just yet…I just don’t think they have it in them to get to the final – but genuinely I hope they prove me wrong.”
