According to a recent exclusive interview by Football Insider, Premiership giants Rangers have been tipped to make further additions to the squad before the transfer window slams shut on Monday. Noel Whelan has claimed that the Ibrox club will have known the financial implications of getting into the Europa League, which is something they did after beating Galatasaray by a 2-1 scoreline in the playoff fixture this midweek. The former Leeds United man claimed that one or more deals could be on the pipeline at Govan.
Although the report has claimed that Whelan believes Rangers will make more signings this summer, whether or not it ends up taking shape remains to be seen. Speaking on the matter, he said, “It’s time for Steven to go shopping, isn’t it? He said before the game that if they get through it the windfall is there and maybe that’s what they were waiting on, they needed to get through that tie and get into the group stages to get that money that’s available for him to go and strengthen even more to be competitive against Celtic. I’d expect one or maybe more signings coming in by Monday night.”
What Is Rangers’ Current Squad Situation?
The Ibrox club started the season looking like they had enough numbers in all areas of the pitch, but a host of untimely injuries have thrown light on the actual situation. Over the last few weeks, the Gers have been forced to deploy pretty much the same eleven week-in week-out, purely because of the lack of numbers within the roster.
Apart from central defence and goalkeeper, all the other positions have been questioned for their lack of depth. The likes of Filip Helander and Steven Davis have been overplayed over recent weeks, and they could end up paying the price if further reinforcements aren’t acquired.
As much as they need a couple of new wingers, and potentially another striker as well, the biggest problem area for Rangers has been in midfield. Despite the presence of key names like Ryan Jack and Scott Arfield, Steven Gerrard’s men have struggled with rotation. One of the many players who started the season in good form was Joe Aribo. Once the youngster picked up an injury though, things began to go downhill. His replacement in the team, Glen Kamara, is yet to show the level of consistency required to perform at the highest level. With a title race seemingly ensuing, it wouldn’t be the worst idea to bring in some names.
Whelan Believes Rangers Will Make More Signings This Summer: Here Are The Two Positions Where Rangers Must Strengthen
Central Midfielders
The injuries to Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo hit this Rangers side the hardest out of all the others. While Aribo started the season as the main link between midfield and attack, Jack’s dynamic presence in the core of the side ensured that the defence line were provided with the required protection. In their absence, Gerrard has been forced to depend on players like Steven Davis and Glen Kamara. As good as they are, it’s worth conceding that they don’t quite live up to the level of the aforementioned duo. Finding able replacements for Jack and Aribo must be a priority.
Wingers
Ryan Kent has been in blistering form since the start of the season, and he is the player that looks the likeliest to produce something every time they take to the pitch. Despite his dependable presence, the lack of alternatives must be a worrying sign. Ianis Hagi has been playing on the opposite side, but it’s worth considering that he isn’t a natural winger. Neither Brandon Barker nor Jordan Jones, have been able to impress the manager too much either. Bringing in a winger who can produce at the same level as Kent every week would vastly increase this Rangers team’s chances of finishing the season as the league champions.
