Rangers spend hinges on Champions League amid Nobel Mendy transfer latest

Rangers have already signed a host of players this summer, and more could hinge on the Champions League.

Russell Martin's side lost to Viktoria Plzen in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier, but progressed 4-2 on aggregate.

Now, the Gers will face Club Brugge for a place in the league phase, which would give them a significant financial boost.

Nobel Mendy could be the Bears' next signing through the door after the latest developments on his future.

This story includes exclusive comment from football finance expert Dr Daniel Plumley.

Rangers could follow up Mendy signing after statement of intent

Rangers are closing in on the signing of Mendy, 20, who completed his medical in Barcelona ahead of the move.

He could follow Djeidi Gassama, who has been an eye-catching signing for Rangers after his exploits in Europe.

Now, football finance expert Dan Plumley - speaking exclusively to Ibrox News - has addressed their transfer spend.

"The takeover is a big factor in this, and I said at the time it was a £20million investment or so from what we could see from the numbers," he said.

"I didn't expect all of that to go into players. I don't think that they're at that level with who they've signed, but they have spent a fair bit of money in relative terms, and it starts to add up.

"I think the takeover was a big catalyst for that, and the other side of that is where they are now in terms of the qualifiers and moving into the Champions League.

"It's probably a little bit more than I expected Rangers to spend in this particular window, but it does outline a fair statement of intent from the club that they are prepared to spend, and a couple of those transfers, if you look at the Gassama one as an example, they're already starting to pay dividends.

"They'll feel vindicated in that approach, and it might open the door for them just to spend a little bit more moving forward, but a lot of that will depend on what plays out with the European qualifiers."

Read more: Scout reacts to what he’s seen Rangers target Nobel Mendy do as Ibrox deal lined up

What are Rangers' chances against Club Brugge?

Rangers and Club Brugge met in pre-season, with the Light Blues recovering from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2.

However, the next encounter will have everything riding on it, with the prize clear for both sides.

The Belgian outfit will head in as favourites, given that they have been Champions League regulars of late.

Brugge advanced to the Round of 16 last season, where they were defeated over two legs by Aston Villa.

As for Rangers, they last made the group stage in 2021/22, although they have upset the odds in Europe in recent years.

If Martin wants more signings and money, then a win over Brugge is the only option.

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