49ers ‘have Lawrence Shankland encouragement’ at Rangers as transfer on cards
Rangers have an easy transfer decision to make regarding Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland as the 49ers Enterprises work on completing their takeover.
Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers are in talks to take control of the Gers soon, and their arrival will undoubtedly bring a sea of change.
The Bears’ faithful will be desperate to see what the US consortium will do in the upcoming transfer window once the potential deal happens.
Barry Ferguson’s future at Ibrox will also be on the prospective new owners’ agenda, but the players they sign next summer will test the scope of their ambition.
Rangers to sign new striker next summer
Cyriel Dessers has retained his place in the Gers’ starting lineup under the interim manager, but his continuity beyond this season seems doubtful.
The Nigerian striker has been a frustrating figure at the Light Blues, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave in the upcoming transfer window.
Hamza Igamane’s emergence in recent months has given the Bears a new number nine to rely on for next season, but whether a top European team ends up signing him soon remains to be seen.
Injuries have marred Danilo’s time at Ibrox, and the Glaswegian outfit should cut their losses on him, but they’ll then evidently need to reinforce their attack next summer in case of departures.
Shankland transfer should be considered by 49ers as goalscoring claim made
Shankland has been linked with a move to Ibrox, with his contract at Hearts expiring at the end of the season, giving the Gers an opportunity they must seize.
While the 29-year-old hasn’t hit the heights of previous seasons this time around, fitness issues haven’t helped him.
The Light Blues will undoubtedly need a new number nine soon, and it would make sense for them to complete a bargain deal for the Scotland international.
Rangers may doubt Shankland’s qualities after his struggles in the current campaign, but Keith Jackson expects him to leave Hearts next summer and start scoring elsewhere.
| Appearances (2023/24) | Goals | Assists |
| 47 | 31 | 8 |
Speaking on Hotline Live (13 April), the journalist said: “The chances are [Hearts] are going to lose Shankland. And you watch, I don’t know where he’ll end up, but what I’m prepared to wager is that as soon as he’s settled and he’s ended up wherever he’s ended up, he’ll start scoring goals again.”
Igamane should be the first choice at the Gers next season if they keep him beyond this season.
The 22-year-old has much potential and room to grow, which can’t be said about Dessers.
While the Nigerian striker has shown he has the ability to score goals under Ferguson, the 30-year-old’s lack of consistency makes him a liability.
Shankland is an experienced international who has spent several years in the Scottish Premiership, which arguably makes him a decent backup option.