£16m star signs & no Tavernier

Glasow Rangers could be set to face the most important period of the club’s recent history over the next few months. With Philippe Clement being sacked last week, the Gers are on the hunt for their fourth permanent manager since 2021.

Only two trophies have been won in that time, and it is clear that this summer could be make or break for the Light Blues.

The recent news of a potential takeover by 49ers Enterprise has given the supporters some hope that the club could enter next season with renewed ambition, but this takeover might not go through until June at the earliest.

If this does happen, then the new manager might be given some financial flexibility in the transfer market, allowing him to bring in a few players which could see the club challenge Celtic for the Premiership title.

Much will depend on who the new boss turns out to be and his plans for the club heading into 2025/26, but just what could a potential starting XI look like at Rangers next term?

1

GK – Liam Kelly

Against Motherwell, Jack Butland gifted the away side a goal, spilling a weak shot into the path of Luke Armstrong, who slotted the ball into the net.

This isn’t the first mistake by the nine-cap England ‘keeper this season and the new manager might decide to cash in on him this summer.

Liam Kelly might not be the most eye-catching name between the sticks, but he did shine against Celtic at the start of 2025, keeping a clean sheet in the 3-0 win

and looking composed throughout.

Unless another ‘keeper is targeted, Kelly could find himself as the number one choice next term.

2

RB – Nathan Patterson

It is time for James Tavernier to finally be sold this summer. The captain has been poor throughout 2024/25 and it is likely the club will end the season trophyless – the sixth time this has happened during Tavernier’s stint.

Nathan Patterson was linked with a move to Ibrox during the winter window, just two years after leaving the Gers in a £16m deal and he could be a major upgrade on the English defender.

Due to injury, Patterson has played only seven times for Everton this season and perhaps a loan spell back at Rangers next term could allow him to gain regular game time.

3

CB – John Souttar

John Souttar was arguably the most consistent performer for the club before his injury in December, which ruled him out for several weeks.

The Scot has won 65% of his total contested duels this season in the Premiership while being dribbled past 0.1 times per game. If he can maintain this type of form when he returns from injury, then the new manager will find it hard to replace Souttar, that’s for sure.

4

CB – Bamo Meite

Robin Propper should be sold this summer and a younger centre-back targeted as his replacement.

In January, the Ibrox side were reportedly showing interest in Bamo Meite, who was playing for Marseille.

He has barely featured for the Ligue 1 side and has since moved to Montpellier on loan, but this shouldn’t stop the Gers from making another approach this summer.

Aged just 23, Meite is at the perfect age to come to Rangers and continue his development.

5

LB – Jefte

It’s safe to say that Jefte hasn’t been at his best recently, but there is no doubting just how talented he is.

Better going forward, as evidenced by his 1.2 successful dribbles and 1.1 key passes per game, the Brazilian must work on his positioning and defensive attributes. If he does, the left-back has a bright future in the game.

6

CM – Nico Raskin

Nico Raskin has turned his Ibrox career around after it looked as though he was going to simply become a squad member.

Since returning from injury last year, he has dominated the midfield, looking impressive against the likes of Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur.

If Tavernier is sold, the captaincy should be passed onto the Belgian star. That’s a certainty.

7

CM – Lennon Miller

The Light Blues have been linked with Lennon Miller for a while now, but it could cost the club around £4m to secure his services this summer if they are still interested.

Still only 18, the youngster is the brightest talent in Scotland right now and would instantly slot straight into the starting XI.

8

RW – Dario Orosio

Rangers were linked with a move for Dario Osorio last year following his impressive form for Danish side Midtjylland, where he has scored five times and grabbed an assist in all competitions.

With Vaclav Cerny returning to his parent club this summer, adding some strength to the right flank is paramount for success next season. Osorio would be an excellent signing.

9

AM – Mohamed Diomande

Mohamed Diomande has tended to operate at the heart of the midfield alongside Raskin this term, but perhaps his most effective position is just behind the striker.

Indeed, he has scored twice from this position in just eight appearances, creating six big chances in the process for the Gers. He is someone who will only get better with age.

10

LW – Oscar Cortes

Oscar Cortes has been plagued by injuries since initially joining Rangers last January. Since then, he has played just 15 times.

When he has featured, the young winger has shown flashes of genius, but he now needs a consistent run in the starting XI. He may be given this chance under the new manager.

11

ST – Hamza Igamane

Hamza Igamane has arguably been one of the club’s few bright sparks this season. A tally of 13 goals across 34 appearances in his first season playing outside Africa has proven he has the ability to play at the very highest level.

Due to this form, plenty of clubs could show interest this summer and the incoming manager might be tempted to take the first big bid that arrives.

Making him the cornerstone of the attack could set him on the path to greatness, however.