Rangers look set for a busy summer transfer window as the club braces for fresh US investment.
The Gers are on the verge of a US buyout led by sports consortium 49ers Enterprises and healthcare mogul Andrew Cavenagh.
The situation is set to transform Rangers’ financial picture in the eternal battle with Celtic, who have dominated Scottish football for the last 13 years.
There’s already plenty of talk over how the US money will impact Rangers’ transfer budget but for the time being the club is keeping their cards close to their chest.
With a new sporting director to come into Rangers before the appointment of the club’s 20th permanent manager, a period of sweeping change is on the horizon.
There are also clearly some big decisions to be made at Ibrox on and off the park.
Rangers News has spoken to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about the state of play at Rangers ahead of the summer.
We talk everything from Vaclav Cerny to the club’s new manager, with a little bit of chatter on the US takeover, potential transfer targets and the club’s top assets sprinkled in between.
How will US takeover impact Rangers transfer budget?
- Rangers are on the verge of a US takeover led by 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh.
Graeme said: “I am told confidence is high, not overly, but they believe the takeover will go through. As I said, they don’t want to comment too much. Same with the incoming party – they don’t want to run before they can walk.”
What is Vaclav Cerny’s situation at Rangers?
- Vaclav Cerny would consider staying at Rangers but the Gers face Premier League opposition.
Graeme said: ”The player has enjoyed his spell, more than that I am told he has loved it. He is open to the opportunity of staying but there are Premier League clubs interested, they have been impressed with him. That said, I think Rangers have a chance with Cerny, especially with the takeover likely in place by the summer.”
Do loan Rangers Rabbi Matondo, Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies have a future at Ibrox?
- Jose Cifuentes is wanted by Aris, Kieran Dowell has impressed with Birmingham City, Ben Davies is also with the Blues and Rabbi Matondo has hinted at moving to Hannover permanently.
Graeme said: ”A lot will depend on the new owners and new head coach really. They will assess the situation in the summer.”
What’s the situation with Leon King, Cole McKinnon and Adam Devine?
- Leon King is on loan at Queen’s Park whilst McKinnon and Devine are two of five players out of contract this summer.
Graeme said: “I do know that the new owners want to really bring back the emphasis on youth – so the likes of Devine and King, could get a chance – but as always, it’s with the caveat that only if they are good enough.”
Who are Rangers targeting as sporting director?
- Patrick Stewart confirmed Rangers are targeting a sporting director amid the ongoing Sportsology review.
Graeme said: “I know they want someone who knows the market well, not Scotland but Europe etc.”
What about the Rangers manager’s position?
- Barry Ferguson has been backed for the Rangers gig but the club are expected to wait until the summer to make a permanent appointment.
Graeme said: “I know Steven Gerrard is someone they like, but I am told another who has been mentioned is Rino Gattuso. Keep an eye on him. But they will assess their options.”
What’s the situation at Ianis Hagi at Rangers?
- Ianis Hagi is open to staying at Rangers with the player out of contract this summer.
Graeme said: “I am told Hagi is Rangers’ highest paid player – he won’t be staying on that contract. I don’t see him continuing his Glasgow career just yet.”
Are Rangers still interested in Kwame Poku?
- Rangers watched Kwame Poku before the winger sustained a serious injury earlier in the season.
Graeme said: ”Poku is someone very much on their radar, but with new head coach and sporting director, that has delayed things. The player is keen but it is not done just yet. But there is a chance.”
Could Rangers return for Omari Forson in the summer?
- Rangers failed with a deadline day bid for Forson in the January transfer window.
Graeme said: “I believe that was former regime. I don’t see it – if you are not getting your game for Monza – does that mean you get into the Rangers team? Hard to see.”
What’s the situation with Hamza Igamane?
Graeme said: ”Igamane has impressed, we know Everton have looked at him closely but I think Rangers would like him to stay – he could be huge for them going forward.”
Could Nicolas Raskin be a Premier League target after his Belgium debut?
- Nicolas Raskin impressed with Belgium and has been a top performer at Rangers this season.
Graeme said: ”I’m not sure, I haven’t heard of any at this point, but he has performed well to an extent.”
Is there any update on Jefte after he was linked to Chelsea?
- Jefte was linked to Chelsea after impressing at Rangers earlier in the season.
Graeme said: “He has improved a lot since moving to Ibrox and he has really come to terms with British football. He clearly has teams keeping tabs on his progress.”
