Michael Stewart shares instant Rangers transfer claim on BBC Sportsound as Celtic win title
Michael Stewart believes that Rangers have a big task ahead of themselves in the summer transfer window if they are to catch Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.
After a 5-0 win over Kilmarnock away on Wednesday (15 May), the Gers have been beaten to the title by Brendan Rogers’ side.
With the transfer window now on the horizon, Stewart has spoken out on BBC Sportsound, (15 May, 9:33 pm) about the challenge Phillipe Clement is to face.
He said: “There’s a big summer ahead for Rangers regardless of what Celtic do. Rangers have got a big rebuild to try and rectify.
“The disappointing recruitment that they had last summer with Michael Beale. Celtic are going to have to strengthen in certain areas so if they do that well it makes the task for Rangers all the more important.
“The margin for error for Rangers is very small for them to be able to close the gap on Celtic. It’s going to be a big summer for Rangers to effectively get the recruitment right so they stand themselves in good stead.”
What do Rangers need in the summer transfer window?
There are set to be some exits at Ibrox this summer with the defence set to be torn apart by outgoing transfers and contract expiry.
Leon Balogun is out of contract this summer while Ben Davies and Connor Goldson are linked to moves away in the window.
Borna Barisic looks set to depart with a pre-contract move to Trabzonspor alongside John Lundstram looking possible [Gunebakis].
Club captain, James Tavernier is also linked with a move away to reunite with Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia at Al Ettifaq [Daily Record].
With all these defensive departures there will be no doubt that Clement needs to reinforce his back line with multiple additions.
There will be a need for multiple players of first-team quality which isn’t easy when working on a tight budget at Ibrox.
The Gers aren’t too far behind Celtic and if it wasn’t for an Old Firm loss at Parkhead then the story may be different.
Some new signings to freshen up the squad and Rangers may be in a better place this time next season.
In other Rangers news, the Gers’ Jefte deal is now in doubt after a new development.
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