Journalist Chris Jack believes it’s set to be a ‘big, big summer’ ahead for Rangers as they look to take the next step in their development under new manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The Gers were crowned Scottish champions for the first time in 10 years last term, ending a run of nine consecutive title victories for their fierce rivals Celtic.
What is the latest news involving Rangers?
Despite winning the league by a whopping 25 points in 2020/21, Rangers are now locked in an enthralling battle at the top of the table this time around.
And a hugely disappointing 3-0 defeat in the second Old Firm derby of the season at the start of the month highlighted the progress that needs to be made under Van Bronckhorst.
However, it could be a pivotal transfer window ahead for the Glasgow giants and their latest leader, with several first-team stars approaching the end of their existing contracts.
The likes of Allan McGregor, Leon Balogun, Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Connor Goldson are set to become free agents following the conclusion of the current campaign, while loanees Aaron Ramsey and Amad Diallo will return to their parent clubs.
Although the signatures of John Souttar and James Sands have already been secured from Hearts and New York City, respectively, replacing the outgoing stars will be a very difficult task.
What has Jack said about Rangers?
It’s not just the experienced quartet approaching the end of their contracts and the two loanees that Van Bronckhorst has to worry about losing in the summer, though.
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Midfield duo Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara have been heavily linked with a plethora of Premier League clubs in recent months, while Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos are also believed to have plenty of admirers.
Jack believes how Rangers operate in the off-season could ‘really shape them’ for the years ahead as the battle for supremacy at the top of Scottish football hots up.
He told GiveMeSport: “I think it’s a really big, big summer for Rangers, and there's a lot at stake for them over the next couple of months because the next few months really can shape them.”
What approach will Rangers take?
Managing director Stewart Robertson previously admitted that player trading was a ‘key part’ of the Ibrox outfit’s business model.
Rangers aren’t capable of matching the transfer fees or wages of top European teams, and therefore, must adopt a different approach that requires them to sell their top talents for profit.
Van Bronkhorst then will surely be looking to offload one or two of his most valuable assets to facilitate some exciting acquisitions ahead of next season.