Barry Ferguson irked by Rangers transfer development – ‘It can’t go on’
Barry Ferguson has explained why he is unhappy with the approach taken by Rangers to recent transfer windows.
The Gers are paying the price for a poor summer transfer window, in which plenty of money was spent but the quality of the squad has arguably decreased.
Rangers are looking to recruit again in January, with Danny Rohl knowing at least a couple more new players are required.
Joe Rothwell and a few other players are expected to leave Ibrox, meanwhile, in what could be another hectic window.
But Ferguson, who was in interim charge at Ibrox earlier this year, simply wants to see Rangers look towards more homegrown talents.
Barry Ferguson urges Rangers to look closer to home for transfers
It seemed almost inevitable that Lawrence Shankland would be joining Rangers from Hearts over multiple transfer windows, but ultimately he signed a new deal at Tynecastle.
Shankland appeared to be a perfect fit for Rangers, and one who would available for nothing in the summer in the period between his deal expiring and his new one being signed.
And after seeing Shankland help Hearts to a 2-1 win over Rangers last week, Ferguson is now even more baffled why the Gers did not move for the Hearts skipper.
In his column for the Daily Record, Ferguson also went on to name the likes of Josh Doig, Aaron Hickey and his nephew Lewis Ferguson as others Rangers have missed out on.
“Missing out on this type of player on their doorstep simply can’t go on,” he said. “Rangers can’t afford for that to happen any more.
“There has to be genuine interest when they come along and you might have to fight to get them. In the future, they might move on again.
“It’s a big step up to play for Rangers but if they produce the goods, you’ll be quids in. It’s something that has bugged me for a number of years now – why Rangers don’t fight to get some of these domestic-based players.”
Ferguson added: “That’s supposed to be the model. So why can’t that model be used in Scotland? As well as signing players for the future, Rangers need guys to win now.”
The January transfer window opens on 1 January and runs until 2 February.
What has Danny Rohl said about Rangers transfer activity?
Rohl has not specifically named any players, of course, or indeed the type of players Rangers are going to target in January.
The German has made it clear, however, that Rangers do want to do some business as early as possible, albeit that is not always doable.
| Team | Matches played | Points |
| 1. Hearts | 17 | 41 |
| 2. Celtic | 18 | 35 |
| 3. Motherwell | 17 | 30 |
| 4. Rangers | 18 | 29 |
A recent report suggested a number six is Rangers’ top target for early in the New Year; a player capable of setting the tempo in the middle of the park.
That player does not necessarily need to be Scotland-based, but Ferguson is right in that more local talent is required at Ibrox.
With a number of changes behind the scenes of late, let us just hope that those new figures high up get the memo.
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