Ross Wilson and the Rangers recruitment team have enjoyed a hugely successful summer transfer window so far and there can be no doubt that the squad is significantly stronger than the one that “ended” last season.
Gone are fringe players and those deemed surplus to requirements – Eduardo Herrera was still under contract with the club this year – with Wilson even managing to get fees for the likes of Matt Polster and Eros Grezda.
There have been upgrades on the bench, with Jon McLaughlin now providing cover for Allan McGregor and the Scotland international performed admirably in pre-season friendlies demonstrating that he will be pushing the established Rangers number one all the way heading into the new campaign.
Nikola Katic’s anterior cruciate ligament injury was a sore one in more ways than one but, again, his replacement has already shown that he can be trusted when thrown into high pressure situations, Leon Balogun was a stand-out in the season opener against Aberdeen and arrives as Rangers most experienced centre-half with World Cup appearances on his CV.
The double arrival of Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten has immediately strengthened the attack with both capable of providing the additional firepower that Steven Gerrard has long pleaded for, the calibre and rumoured price tags that have been paid demonstrate a signal of intent from Rangers.
There remains just one piece of the jigsaw remaining – if Alfredo Morelos performs a u-turn and decides to stay at the club – and that is in midfield.
Are you happy with the deals being done by Ross Wilson?
Yes
No
Joe Aribo has impressed in pre-season, and if he can continue that form in competitive games, there is no reason why he can’t produce numbers better than the 9 goals and 8 assists that he managed last term but there remains a gap alongside him in the middle of the park.
Aribo does a lot of his best work higher up the park linking with the front three but it is getting the ball up to these players that has been an issue, Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and Steven Davis are all outstanding footballers but they all have a similar skill set.
Bongani Zungu had been a rumoured target but there are reports that a deal remains some way off despite a transfer fee being agreed, however, he isn’t renowned for his creativity or goal scoring exploits.
If Wilson can find a player capable of breaking defensive lines through dribbling or passing and can support the goals for tally – think Stuart Armstrong – then Gers fans really will feel that they have won a watch this window and can look forward to the new season with nothing but high hopes.