(Credit: Imago)

Jacob Raw

Sun 24 May 2026 20:10, UK

Rangers are closing in on the signing of Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland, with his imminent arrival undoubtedly the biggest sign of ambition from the 49ers yet.

Despite the 30-year-old coming to Ibrox on a free deal, the potential transfer is significant for several reasons.

Shankland almost led Hearts to a historic Scottish Premiership triumph, and after falling to Celtic on the final day, the Jambos vowed to bounce back.

Given their fantastic season, which has seen Derek McInnes’ side secure European football for the next campaign, it would have been hard to see why and how their star player would leave.

However, the 49ers have proposed a deal to Shankland that has made the player reportedly leave his holiday early, and Rangers chiefs deserve some credit.

This is why Lawrence Shankland signing lays down the law

Rangers are set to sign Shankland, and barring any last-minute hitches, he will be a Light Blue after all the years of near transfer moves to Ibrox.

The Hearts skipper will be joining the Bears at a time when he still looks to be at the peak of his powers, and it’s exactly the type of character that Danny Rohl needs.

As mentioned, Hearts have made it clear already that they want to be fighting for the title once more next season, but the imminent exit of their star play and captain changes the dynamic.

The Jambos could now see several other stars follow Shankland in seeking pastures new after an impressive campaign from all involved, and they could be set to fall behind Gers and Celtic.

The 49ers are making arguably the biggest signing that the Scottish Premiership will see already, and if there was ever a player who could kickstart momentum for a window by signing on the dotted line, it would be him.

Rangers have several other targets in mind, like Motherwell’s Elliott Watt and Dundee FC’s Luke Graham, and the arrival of Shankland may advance those other two deals. Andrew Cavenagh and Co. mean business.

What are the media saying about Shankland right now?

The news of Shankland’s ever-edging move to Gers has shaken Scottish football fans across social media, with plenty of pundits and media personnel alike having their say.

The Rangers Review’s Blair Malloy has called it “the most sensible and perhaps one of the most exciting signings” that the Bears have made in recent memory.

That’s certainly the case, and time will tell if Rangers took too long to finally make Shankland theirs after all these years.

But the optics are looking good.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.