Rangers Squad Review - Jan 26 Window

As the dust settles on entry to 2026 not only has the new set in but the transfer window has crept open in time for Rangers to look and assess some freshness within the squad. It’s fair to say that this season has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs and everything inbetween. From starting the season under Russell martin where the happiness and joy of the summer soon quickly turned to anger and perception of lack of quality within the squad. 11 players departed the club with 14 players coming.

Experienced players such balogun, Dessers, hagi, proper, Ridvan and Lawerence departed along with highly rated young talents such as Jefte and Igamane. Along with Cerny who’s contributions to goals and assists where always going to be a struggle to replace. These players have been replaced with others of various quality and experience. From signings who seemed promising on paper such as Joe Rothwell to the surprise package for many of Manny Fernandez. One thing that’s been very clear with the summer recruitment that the average age of the team has come down dramatically which has often brought about problems with in game management and players with big game experience of turning a poor game draw into a victory with a scrappy goal. Below I’ve put some spotlight into the the ins and outs of the January window while trying to keep it as sensible as a possible .

I’ll start this by looking at some of the obvious players we should be looking to move on. Players such as rabbi Matondo, Kieran Dowell, Joe Rothwell (who appears to have something lined up), with the first two only having 6 months on deals any departure would like end up being a small fee of more likely a loan until the end of the season. In rothwells case this just appears to have been a bad move for all sides.

In the backline it’s very clear with the recent injuries to Souttar and Derek Cornelius that in large Djiga despite his price tag isn’t what we require, manny Fernandez has truly grown into the shirt and surprised many but a lack of top level experience means inevitably he’s going to make a high profile error. Clinton Nsiala could be one who benefits even from a loan to get much needed first team minutes which is something we cannot promise the youngster this season. Equally we look at the obvious issue at left back where young Meghoma has performed well above his experience but there’s been serversl times including the most recent old

Firm game that a more experienced head would have weathered the first half storm better, not a slight on the impressive youngster but he’s also a loan player we need to have an eye on not just today but tomorrow. In the backline the most likely signings would be a left back and an experienced centre back to help the youngsters and again look at after tomorrow given John Souttar hasn’t signed a new deal yet, Djiga returns to wolves in the summer. At right back I don’t think we’ll see much change with Sterling able to cover at CB but excelling against Celtic in his preferred right back role he remains the only contracted right back for next season but that’s likely to be an issue revisited in the summer. Max arrons doesn’t appear to be a long term solution to an ever growing problem. As mentioned previously a left back and purchased center back would be the immidate requirements .

Midfield

A source of contention for many of us as an area that we present Nico Raskin, Mo Diomande, Connor Barron, Rothwell (although not included for over a month), Lyall Cameron, Thelo Aasgaard being the core options with Mickey Moore occasionally coming into the 10. Of the players mentioned Connor Barron is the only one with pass marks for the full season to now, with Raskin under performing and Diomande having struggles with form and fitness reinforcements in the engine room are much needed a ball playing midfield general who will help out the defence but more importantly solidify our midfield who have been over run too many times this season.

It’s not entirely unthinkable to see a world that either Diomande or Raskin move on for good money but the former being more likely after the World Cup, Cameron has barely had a sniff in this season with issues with fitness since arriving and a move away on a temporary basis seems likely for all. Aasgaard has started to recently find some form after appearing to struggle under Russell Martin previously but also can go MIA in games. The midfield is an area that needs to be addressed.

On the wings were a mixed bag of tricks with two very very talent but young wingers in Mickey Moore and Gassama being the regular starters Oliver Antman currently sidelined with injury and Finlay Curtis not hugely in the picture and again mooted for a short loan away. We are likely in the market for a winger but that could rest down to money available and raised. Gassama has had some special moments but has struggled for consistency and Moore is another on loan who we can’t afford to buy for the obvious reasons. Antman being the most senior wingers at 24 shows that again inexperience has played a factor in the up and nature of our wingers form. Another area where experience would be welcome, as continuing on the remainder of the season with young top level wingers could see us falling short due to inconsistency in form.

This brings us to the much criticised forward line, poor player replacements in the summer have really hindered the teams potency up top. With Igamane and dessers having a combined goal tally of over 30 goals in the season that form hasn’t been caught up with our new look forward line. Chermiti in recent weeks looks to be coming into form including his recent brace against Celtic but his early season struggles haven’t been helped by Danilo or Miovski not stepping up to the plate to help. Mivoski comes under less fire than Danilo as he’s fired in a few in recent games showing some of the qualities that brought him to the club in the first place. However with Danilo he cannot seem to get into the team for love nor money less a couple of goals this season his involvement hasn’t merited the investment and it would appear his time at the club is drawing to a close either this window or next depending on suitors. One thing that’s vital is the club brings in a proven goalscorer or a striker with pedigree to help. Chermtiti’s upturn in form can’t leave the situation at bay as a young player he’s going to have spells of poor form too.

In closing January screams a time for the sake of the team to look at bringing in experienced players to help with in game management, not necessarily older players but players playing at a good level for a few a seasons, versed in the highs and lows of individual games and ones with a fire in there belly to fight. A midfield general to help be the safety net and an additional striker to provide competition and versatility to the team too. Games such as the win at Celtic can’t be false dawns in a team that needs to be near perfect in the back half of the season when just prior against league leaders hearts points where dropped yet again and familiar poor showings cropped up again. If Rangers are to win the league this season and move into a world of automatic champions league qualification and the riches that come, the club need to get this window right for everyone’s sake. How Will we look come the end of January? Only time will tell