49ers ‘can strike Celtic blow already’ as Rangers ready move for English gem
Rangers know they have a huge summer ahead in terms of transfers, though supporters are yet to know who will own their club, let alone a budget.
Fans at Ibrox are also yet to discover who will lead their side from the dugout for next season’s kick-off, with Barry Ferguson able to take one huge stride towards the long-term role by adding Athletic Club to the Gers’ list of European scalps (17 April).
Should Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavenagh lead their consortium to a full and complete takeover from Rangers’ various shareholders in ample time for the transfer window, supporters could be in for an exciting summer of recruitment.
Rangers can beat Celtic to Premier League prodigy
Rangers underwent a significant squad overhaul last summer under the reign of Philippe Clement, but to no avail.
Too many experienced players left Ibrox with not enough quality brought in to replace them – their case not helped by the budget with which Celtic were operating, forking out eight-figure sums for their squad.
However, with a potential new American regime imminent, Rangers could flex their financial muscle further and offer more palatable deals to players which could see them choose blue over green.
Where this may take place is in their pursuit of Crystal Palace academy winger Jesse Derry.
According to The Scottish Sun (15 April), Derry – the latest “whizkid” on the conveyor belt of British talent – is wanted by both Rangers and Celtic.
Still aged just 17, he has been featuring in the Eagles’ Under-21s side and representing England at age-grade level.
Derry – son of former Premier League midfielder Shaun – has rejected a professional deal at Selhurst Park, alerting numerous clubs around Europe including Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG.
Rangers and Celtic have both been credited with an interest ahead of a potential ‘free’ deal – which would still require compensation due to Derry’s age.
However, more senior game time would be on offer at Ibrox – and with the future plans 49ers Enterprises chief Marathe and insurance tycoon Cavenagh could inspire in Govan, the Light Blues may just be more appealing than Celtic Park for the youngster should he be open to a switch north of the border.
Ferguson and Gers focused on European journey
For now, transfer talk is taking a backseat among those at Rangers as their side travel to Bilbao and aim to create more remarkable European memories.
Gers just seem to have this knack in Europe which cannot be explained nor shaken, and Ferguson has a real gem on his CV having beaten Jose Mourinho over two legs in the previous round.
| Rangers – final fixtures (as it stands) | Date |
| Athletic Club (A) – Europa League QF 2L | 17 April |
| St Mirren (A) – SP | 26 April |
| Celtic (H) – SP | 4 May |
| Aberdeen (H) – SP | 11 May |
| Dundee United (H) – SP | 14 May |
| Hibernian (A) – SP | 17 May |
Athletic Club have been scalded in their local and national press ahead of the second leg after failing to breach a 10-man Rangers side at Ibrox last Thursday (10 April), and the pressure is all on the hosts in the Basque Country this week.