On the final day of the transfer window at Ibrox, it appears that all is relatively quiet with no significant business expected.
‘What we have, we hold’ is the mantra with key players such as Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara and Borna Barisic all set to remain in G51.
That is a welcome update on the pitch but off it, questions will be raised given the club’s financial position and the requirement for additional funding.
Player trading has to kick-in eventually with the aim of sustainability essential as the current model is simply unsustainable in the mid-term.
There has been some talk that Rangers are now ‘all-in’ on retaining the Premiership title and the expected automatic Champions League qualification that will come with it.
That will make for a very prosperous Summer to come and undoubted player turnover given the situation with various player contracts and the cycle of the team under Steven Gerrard and co.
Failure in the season ahead would be awful for the club and the realities that would follow.
It is well documented that apart from the elite clubs, there isn’t the usual money floating around and as a result, lesser transfer activity – the impact of the pandemic is biting.
Rangers haven’t received acceptable bids for their assets so they are not being sold on the cheap.
That is to be commended and highlights that the directors must be content with the figures at present. In that regard, Europa League qualification was essential and now we can look forward to the next few months knowing our squad and the schedule ahead.
Maybe things will change in January, but any significant activity is usually avoided in that window.
Questions
Following Niko Katic’s loan move to Hajduk Split in his homeland, there may be one or two others to follow.
Will Brandon Barker head out the door to play? That seems the most suitable arrangment for both parties but of course it all depends on a club coming in for the Englishman.
In addition, will we see a surprise? There may be loan enquiries for Cedric Itten from Swiss clubs given his lack of action at Ibrox but that would only be sanctioned if he was to be replaced.
At this late stage, Rangers are not expected to make a significant outlay on any new signings, especially after the arrival of Juninjo Bacuna last week.
Is a late loan deal a possibility? Which positions, if any, could do with being bolstered?
It can’t be ruled out but would be quite a surprise to see another new face arrive but it is certainly not needed, such is the settled nature of the squad.
Perhaps another direct attacker in the mold of Kent and Scott Wright? Or will Barker be kept in reserve for that purpose?
Plenty of questions but with only hours left to go, we don’t have long to wait to find out the answer.
Once midnight arrives, the picture is clear and we move further into the international break knowing exactly where we stand.
The champions are ready to defend the title and have more than enough for the job ahead domestically, as proven with a depleted squad on Sunday – next stop is the the top of the Premiership table.