Rangers need to make three pivotal transfers to follow for title charge
With four summer signings already in the bag for Michael Beale, the Rangers boss needs to secure three pivotal signings, in central defence, in midfield and a goalscorer, in order to provide the required quality for a title charge next season.
It’s not even July but already, Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland and Sam Lammers have been announced as part of the squad for the upcoming campaign. Nothing further is thought to be imminent at the moment, but the most recent other speculation has surrounded Jose Cifuentes and Cyriel Dessers.
Overall, three quality additions through the spine of the team will equip Beale for the significant challenges to follow at home and abroad but most importantly, to go the distance toward regaining the Scottish Premiership crown.
Last season, the league was already gone by the time Beale returned from England. Despite the good work conducted by the former Ibrox assistant, the centre of defence proved to be too soft, especially in the games that mattered.
Close encounters against Celtic were lost because of individual mistakes and lapses in concentration. That simply has to end.
John Souttar finished the season strongly, whilst the title isn’t likely to be won with Ben Davies featuring in the big games. That is a touch harsh, but fair, based on the evidence so far. The likes of Auston Trusty [Daily Record] and Jonathan Panzo [Rangers Review] continue to be linked but will that be enough?
In the engine room, the Gers were brutally exposed at the top level last time out, when the Champions League proved to be a class above. In fairness, that was the case all over the pitch and not just in the midfield.
Hopefully, Jose Cifuentes can add the required power and guile to the team, where he will compete with the likes of Nico Raskin, Ryan Jack, John Lundstram and occasionally Todd Cantwell, for one of a maximum of three spots in Beale’s team.
That leads us to the striker question. Lammers has arrived but he’s more of a ’10’, he won’t lead the line which means an out-and-out goalscorer is still required, effectively a replacement for Alfredo Morelos and more.
The Dessers situation rumbles on whilst Tasos Douvikas has been mentioned but he could have his sights sets elsewhere.
Those three positions will be so important to Rangers’ aspirations next season, as part of a likely four to five further arrivals whilst at least the same number of squad members should be leaving in the coming weeks.
In other Rangers news, Ronald de Boer has sent Sam Lammers a two-word message after the Dutch striker completed his move to the Gers.