Rangers set about the transfer window in an aggressive manner early doors, securing top targets in preparation for an early start to the season.
It’s easy to forget just how big a turnaround of players there has been this season with over ten senior players leaving the club, not including those that were on loan last term.
The squad was bloated and almost all of the departures have been fringe players who never made an impact on the first-team and certainly weren’t good enough to take the club forwards.
The players who have come in have all made varying impressions, here we look at just how well they have done since signing on the dotted line.
Jon McLaughlin
Near perfect since he arrived from Sunderland on a free transfer, playing more than anyone would have imagined due to Allan McGregor’s injury problems but yet to put a foot wrong, Robby McCrorie may have his work cut out displacing him when he returns to the club.
Calvin Bassey
Only one start, but it was hugely impressive against Motherwell, especially when you consider it was his first in senior football, every cameo off the bench has also suggested that he could be a shrewd acquisition – matching pace, power and a determination to either make something happen or get into the box himself, an upgrade on Andy Halliday and Jon Flanagan for sure.
Leon Balogun
Signed as cover for Niko Katic after his season ending knee injury, he has shown already that he could be here beyond this season, comfortable on the ball and with a decent turn of pace, an ideal back-up for Connor Goldson and Filip Helander and strolled his debut against Aberdeen, a great mentor for the younger centre-halves.
Ianis Hagi
Yes he was here last season, but only on loan, and he has shown early signs of what he is capable of when he is up to full speed, we are just into October and he has eight assists to his name already. Give him the ball in space and he will make things happen, a genuine “moments” player and proving that he can be the difference in tight games.
Kemar Roofe
Prior to his calf injury fans were more than happy to see Alfredo Morelos sold, such has been his impact since signing from Anderlecht, early stages, but the indications are that he will be key player over the next few seasons – if he can keep fit that is.
Cedric Itten
Another to have had an injury interrupted start but his double against Motherwell showed two sides of his game, a beautifully taken volley from outside the box followed by a real poacher’s goal, if he gets regular game time he will score goals – his touch looks better than Morelos’s too.
Are you happy with the summer's transfer business?
Yes
No
Rangers have improved the starting XI by adding quality like Roofe and Hagi but also by ensuring that the bench is now loaded with internationals rather than dead wood, when we suffered four injuries against Dundee United, it was four internationals that came on – that depth just hasn’t been there before.
Even with McGregor, Katic, Balogun, Roofe, Itten, Ryan Jack, Joe Aribo, Brandon Barker and Jermain Defoe all injured in recent weeks, the team has still continued to win games and feature international players throughout the team, although in fairness, the midfield was starting to look a little stretched before the window shut.
Only in May will we truly know if it has been a successful turnaround, early signs are good though having dropped points in just two away fixtures and group stage football secured in the Europa League for a third successive season – seeing the Scottish Premiership trophy with red, white and blue ribbons on it would be the ultimate confirmation though.