The January transfer window opened just 11 days back and most European clubs are yet to start their shopping but Rangers boss Mark Warburton seems like a pretty busy man already. The Gers had already signed Emerson Hyndman on loan from Bournemouth for the rest of season just a few days back and the Gers sealing their second signing in January looks like just a matter of time. Reports claim that Arsenal youngster Jon Toral jetted to Glasgow last night as the deal is all but done.
Considering the tight finances Warburton has to work with, it is hardly a surprise to see him linked with all loan moves. Toral to Rangers on loan, this has been discussed by the media for quite a long time now and finally it is happening. Rangers manager Mark Warburton had been keen to strengthen his midfield options during the January transfer window following the premature departure of Joey Barton and injuries to Niko Kranjcar and Jordan Rossiter.
So how will Rangers look with Toral and Hyndman on board? Of course, both Arsenal and Bournemouth will demand their players get as many first-team opportunities as possible and that is why the youngsters also moved to the north of the border. So, who are the players to make ways for the two midfielders?
First of all, Toral is more of a number ten and not a number eight. So, Warburton probably will shift to 4-2-3-1 from 4-3-3 to get the best out of the Arsenal prodigy. Andy Halliday is an indispensable member of the squad and his place in the middle of the park seems to be untouchable. On top of that, he is a Warburton favourite which means that the other midfield position will be contested by Hyndman, Holt and injury-prone trio Windass, Rossiter and Holt.
We have seen very little of Hyndman so far. Compared to him, Toral comes with plenty of experience in the Championship on loan from Arsenal. So, Toral’s place should be guaranteed in the team but Hyndman will have to claim his place in midfield staving off competition from in-form Windass and Holt.
One thing Warburton has ensured with these two signings is that Rangers will have competition for places in the middle of the park during the remainder of the season which is a necessary recipe to bring the best out of the players. Rangers need to build the confidence in the team and among the fans that they can realistically challenge Celtic for the title next season and the loan arrivals Toral and Hyndman state that intent.
