Rangers might not have a blank cheque or two this summer, but after a disastrous campaign, a positive transfer window is a necessity.
The San Francisco 49ers have secured enough shares to complete the takeover with Paraag Marathe and co. being given a guided tour recently when they visited Ibrox.
It feels like an announcement is only a matter of time and that the May timeline to complete the takeover of Rangers, has been correct.
The 49ers have shown that they can make good recruitment decisions, evidenced by Leeds United winning the Championship with 100 points, beating a Burnley side that conceded just 16 goals all season. They also secured 100 points.
One decision that Rangers should consider is returning for a player who knows Ibrox all too well and who was once at the centre of a transfer tug of war between the two 49ers group brothers.
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Kyle Bartley could be Rangers answer to solve soft centre
Rangers have been accused of having a soft centre this season and in recent years and one player who would add an aggressive edge is Kyle Bartley.
Steven Gerrard is tipped to return to Rangers, and it was he who wanted to bring Bartley back to the club in 2018 after his loan spell from Arsenal.
“It’s true that Rangers want Bartley, it (Leeds) is his preferred choice but Rangers seem to be waving money around,” said respected Leeds journalist Phil Hay.
Also interested was Leeds, however, he moved to West Brom instead where he will now spend another season after a performance-related clause in his contract saw it extended.
This doesn’t mean that the Baggies’ skipper will stay at the Hawthorns after recent abuse from fans following a dip in form and a poor run of results.
Who Bartley could be an ideal replacement for
At 6ft 4inches tall, the 33-year old is more than capable of handling himself, even if he sometimes lets his temper get the better of him.
Bartley is hugely experienced in the Championship and the Premier League having played for Leeds, Swansea, Sheffield Utd, Birmingham and Arsenal.
He knows what it is like to play in an Old Firm derby and take no prisoners, even if he did skate close to a red card in one famous encounter.
He played 24 times at both centre-half and as a defensive midfielder in 2010/11 as Rangers won their last league title under Walter Smith, that experience counts for something.
If Rangers want to replace Leon Balogun’s experience and presence, Bartley wouldn’t be a bad place to start.
