Scott Allan shares Rangers transfer mystery on BBC Sportscene, discusses Ibrox budget
Rangers will have to nail their summer recruitment in order to bridge the gap to Scottish Premiership champions Celtic next season, says Scott Allan.
The Gers racked up an impressive 92 points after closing out their domestic campaign with a 3-0 win at St Mirren on Saturday (27 May) but still finished seven shy of their Old Firm rivals.
A heavy recruitment drive is expected at Ibrox under Michael Beale in the close season with Kieran Dowell already on board for next term, but Allan warned that Celtic – who will go straight into the Champions League group stages – will only get better too.
“I think it’s a case over to you Rangers, let’s see what you’re going to bring in the summer,” the former Celtic midfielder said as a pundit on BBC Sportscene (27 May, 52:20).
“I know Michael Beale’s speaking about the points tally there, it’s only been bettered four times it is incredible, but it shows you the standard Celtic have set.
“I know we’re all talking about the budget and what Rangers are going to do in the summer but Celtic will strengthen again and are in the Champions League group stages.
“So as much as they’re trying to squeeze that gap, Celtic might extend it. I think the difference in both clubs is we know the type of recruitment that Celtic are bringing in, we don’t quite know what’s going to happen with Rangers apart from Todd Cantwell who’s come in and been magnificent.”
Rangers face big summer in the transfer market
In some ways, Rangers are a little unfortunate this season, insofar as 99 points from Celtic is a magnificent achievement.
But, if you are a Gers fan, that context will count for little. All that matters is that next season Michael Beale can overhaul their Old Firm rivals and bring the title back to Ibrox.
Building blocks to try and bridge that gap are certainly in place. Some of the longer-standing members of the team, including Alfredo Morelos, Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield, are all moving on, while Dowell is the first of many pieces who will arrive in the summer.
The right noises are being made in terms of names and how busy Rangers are going to be over the next couple of months, but it is absolutely vital the recruitment team get their business right.
If they don’t, then Celtic – particularly with the guaranteed riches of the Champions League group stages – may end up pulling further away.
In other Rangers news, one Rangers star was compared to the legendary Arjen Robben following the win over St Mirren.