Barry Ferguson names player Rangers simply should have signed in summer transfer window
Russell Martin has focused on buying and developing young players during his time as Rangers manager.
This has not paid off at all, with Rangers sitting 10th in the league table, and many of their signings have started the season extremely poorly.
Whilst pressure continues to mount on Rangers boss Martin, former interim manager Barry Ferguson outlined one player Rangers should have signed permanently.
Barry Ferguson believes Rangers should’ve gone for Vaclav Cerny
Ferguson took charge of the team in February 2025 following the sacking of Philippe Clement.
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show on 15 September, Ferguson insisted that Rangers had to sign Vaclav Cerny permanently after his loan stint last season.
He said: “He was a real game-changer, and he worked hard for the team. In terms of working for the team, he stood out to me.
“It would have been a good bit of business to try and bring him back; it was a no-brainer, but obviously they went down a different route.”
Cerny spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Ibrox from German side Wolfsburg and enjoyed a fantastic campaign.
| Appearances | 52 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 9 |
After the season, it quickly emerged that the 49ers were not in talks to sign Cerny, much to the disappointment of fans.
Cerny has since moved to Besiktas for just over £5m, a fee that is a steal considering what Rangers spent on young, unproven players.
Oscar Cortes joined Rangers for £4.5m, a fraction under the value of Cerny, and the young winner has been sent straight out on loan.
It’s clear the transfer strategy has failed, and the failure to obtain successful loan stars permanently is a key reason why Rangers are struggling at the moment.
Kevin Thelwell has oveerseen an unsuccessful transfer window
The sporting director prioritised bringing young players through the door, with Cortes, Djeidi Gassama, Youssef Chermiti, Jayden Meghoma, and Mikey Moore all under the age of 22.
Due to many of these players arriving for big money, Thelwell is now under scrutiny for his transfer strategy, as the club remains winless in the league.
Even some of the older signings are unproven at this level, with Thelo Aasgaard and Emmanuel Fernandez both coming from League One.
Time is running out for Martin, and as Rangers’ form continues to deteriorate, Thelwell is also facing the wrath of Rangers fans.
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