Rangers squad looks different already with Nils Koppen and Philippe Clement making a good start to the transfer window.
Competitive action returns in a month which will give the five new signings time to settle into life in Glasgow, even if they can’t play at Ibrox just yet.
The five who departed Rangers at the end of the season have been replaced and the starting XI will already have a different look to it, however, there is an issue that the manager still has to deal with.
Clement inherited a squad that was imbalanced and in need of repair.
There were issues in almost every area of the pitch, and he had to put square pegs in round holes on too many occasions.
Hard work still to be done as Rangers jet out to the Netherlands
Speaking recently, the Gers boss is clearly happy with the business he has done so far:
“We had five players going out of the club at the end of their contracts and we didn’t get any money in.
“We lost five players but for the moment it was easier to get the young players but there will also be experience coming into the building and we need a good balance in the squad of both.
“It was important to find these young talents and I think we found some exciting talents for the future of this club. They are ready to play some minutes in the beginning but certainly in the next couple of years.”
Balance was one problem, as was having so many players out of contract, perhaps the main one though, was having so many senior players on big wages who don’t seem to be justifying their pay packets.
Under long-term contracts, it isn’t easy to move them on, and Clement must treat them with respect until there are offers.
Exit-linked trio still at Rangers amid uncertain futures
Heading out to the Netherlands, photographs of Cyriel Dessers, James Tavernier and even Todd Cantwell, might have frustrated fans, but the manager has no choice.
Philippe Clement will have a budget to spend and will be looking to upgrade specific positions.
The difficult task is spending money without seeing it get wasted sitting in the stands on a wage bill that is already the highest in the league.
Rangers won’t be spending money on another proven striker unless there are assurances that Dessers is leaving, and it is the same at right-back or at number 10.
The central playmaker position is already crowded and Clement could well end up selling Cantwell, Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi.
It’s not quite time to panic but there is something of a Mexican stand-off with Rangers recruitment at the moment.
Much to the frustration of the manager and the fans alike.
