Jordan Campbell reveals Rangers transfer ‘priority’ for new boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst
New Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will need to lower the average age of the squad, according to Jordan Campbell.
The former Dutch international is expected to be confirmed as Steven Gerrard’s replacement in the Ibrox dugout at some point in the very near future.
He will be under pressure straight away as Rangers face Hibernian in the Scottish League Cup semi-final on Sunday, but he will also need to start planning for the January transfer window.
In analysis for The Athletic, Campbell highlights how Rangers have the oldest squad in the Scottish Premiership, meaning van Bronckhorst is likely to target younger names in the transfer window.
Campbell adds that “high on the list of priorities” will be finding a long-term replacement for midfielder Steven Davis who turns 37 on January 1.
Squad refresh
The older heads in Rangers’ dressing room, such as Davis, Allan McGregor (39), Leon Balogun (33) and Scott Arfield (33) all played important roles in winning the title in 2020-21 and remain important cogs in the team this season.
The Gers arguably would not have broken Celtic’s dominance without the experience of such players, but it does feel as if this is a Rangers squad coming to the end of their cycle.
The Athletic highlight that the group are 1.5 years over their peak age and while they remain in a strong position to win the title again, a refresh will certainly be needed next summer.
With Gerrard leaving and van Bronckhorst arriving, there is a good opportunity to usher in a new era of younger talent in Glasgow.
Looking at Davis and the midfield specifically, Rangers may feel they already have ready-made replacements for the Northern Irish international, with Joe Aribo (25) joined by summer signing Juninho Bacuna (24).
In other Rangers news, last-ditch administration issues have been mooted for the swoop to hire Gio.