Rangers were expected to have a slightly silent transfer window given the fact that they had signed as many as 15 players in the previous window. However, the Gers still managed to do some terrific business in January as they added some quality and experienced players to their roster.
The Gers have definitely closed the gap between themselves and Celtic, but a loss against Kilmarnock was a significant blow to the club in their title charge. Nevertheless, the point gap isn’t massive yet and a slip from Celtic might still keep Rangers in the title race.
Here is all the business done by the club in this window.
Ins: Jordan Jones (pre-contract), Jermain Defoe (loan, Bournemouth), Steven Davis (loan, Southampton), Andy Firth (Barrow), Matt Polster (Chicago Fire), Glen Kamara (Dundee)
Outs: Umar Sadiq (loan ended), Ovie Ejaria (loan cut short), Eduardo Herrera (loan, Necaxa), Scott Gray (loan, East Stirling) Zak Rudden (loan, Falkirk) Ryan Hardie (loan, Falkirk) Jamie Barjonas (loan, Raith Rovers), Jordan Rossiter (loan, Bury)
Steven Davis’ homecoming to Ibrox was always on the cards as the former midfielder was linked with a move for quite some time. The Bears would be delighted to have him back in the squad, and he would definitely add some steel and mettle in midfield and the dressing room. Already 34, Davis might not play every game, but he can still have a major impact given that he was more or less regular for the Saints up until last season.
Rangers managed to pull off a last-minute deal for Glen Kamara when it looked like he was going to stay at Dundee for the rest of the season. The midfielder had earlier signed a pre-contract agreement, but the former Arsenal midfielder has joined the club now and is going to play a part in the club’s title push.
The blockbuster arrival for the Bears was undoubtedly the signing of English forward Jermain Defoe. Apparently, Celtic were also linked (The Scottish Sun) with him so one can say that the Bears got one over their arch-rivals by signing the veteran forward.
Jordan Jones had long been linked with a move to Ibrox and he too finally secured a move and would join the club next season. Rangers managed to keep hold of Alfredo Morelos and James Tavernier who drew attention from some of the top clubs around the world so exit wise, Rangers didn’t lose any major players.
However, one of the areas where the club missed out on was signing an out and out no. 10. Gerrard had earlier indicated (The Scottish Sun) in November that signing an attacking midfielder would be his priority, but none of the players he signed is a natural no. 10 though someone like Davis can play in that role when required. Signing players in January is never easy and overall we think the Gers did well in the transfer window. Quantity wise they might not have done a lot of business, but they have definitely added the much-needed quality to their squad without spending much.
Overall Ratings: 7/10
