The summer transfer window brought significant changes to the Rangers squad, with several key players departing and fresh faces coming in. Let’s break down how these changes stack up from a fan’s perspective, comparing the outgoing players with their replacements to see if the squad has genuinely improved.
Borna Barisic vs. Jefte
Borna Barisic is a name that has sparked many debates among Rangers fans. A player who once dazzled with his forward runs and crosses, Barisic had seemed to lose his spark in recent seasons, opting more for safe passes across the backline than dynamic attacks. Many believed Rangers missed the opportunity to sell him two seasons ago when his stock was higher.
Enter Jefte: a young, energetic full-back who brings a sense of urgency to the team. He’s quick, strong, and isn’t afraid to whip in a cross. Though there have been concerns about his defensive abilities, especially from pre-season friendlies, he’s shown enough promise since the season started. At just 20 years old, he has ample room to grow.
Verdict: Jefte appears to be an upgrade over Barisic, injecting youthful energy and potential into the squad.
Scott Wright vs. Vaclav Cerny
Scott Wright was often a bit-part player at Rangers, making occasional impacts as a substitute but never quite cementing his place in the starting XI. His dedication was unquestionable, but he often fell short of the quality expected by the fans. Still, he found favor under various managers, hinting at his hard-working attitude.
Vaclav Cerny, on the other hand, has had a bit of a mixed start. Joining the team after the Euros, he was behind others in terms of fitness. He’s shown flashes of quality in crossing, creativity, and finishing, but inconsistency has been an issue.
Verdict: Although Cerny’s form has been inconsistent, he offers more potential and quality than Wright. With improved fitness and match sharpness, he could become a key player.
Sam Lammers vs. Hamza Igamane
Sam Lammers was a frustrating figure at Rangers. Brought in with high hopes, he failed to deliver, particularly in front of goal. Despite a prolific loan spell in the Eredivisie afterward, it seemed clear that the pressures of playing for Rangers were too much for him.
Hamza Igamane joined the club while nursing an injury, but in the limited game time we’ve seen, he has excited fans. His brief appearances suggest that he could be the real deal if he stays fit.
Verdict: Based on the early signs, Igamane seems to offer more in 50 minutes than Lammers did in his entire stint. If he can maintain fitness, he could be a significant asset.
Connor Goldson vs. Robin Propper
Connor Goldson was a rock at the heart of Rangers’ defense for years, but age and injuries took their toll last season. His decline was gradual, but evident, and the club made the tough decision to move on.
Robin Propper arrived with high expectations, carrying the reputation of a former FC Twente captain. His performances so far have been mixed; an own goal and moments of hesitation have raised questions. However, adjusting to Scottish football takes time.
Verdict: Propper has yet to fully convince, but there is potential. For now, he’s fallen just short of Goldson’s past contributions.
Todd Cantwell vs. Nedim Bajrami
Todd Cantwell’s time at Rangers was a rollercoaster. On his day, he was the team’s most creative force, but consistency was always the issue. His eventual desire to leave made the club’s decision easier.
Nedim Bajrami was a deadline day signing and has shown glimpses of promise on international duty. While we’ve only seen him in action for a short time in a Rangers shirt, playing out of his preferred position, the signs are there.
Verdict: It’s too early to make a definitive call on whether Bajrami is an upgrade over Cantwell. The jury is still out, but the potential is promising.
Robby McCrorie vs. Liam Kelly
Robby McCrorie was a reliable goalkeeper who just couldn’t secure the starting spot, often being overshadowed by others. His departure was understandable as he needed regular game time to develop further.
Liam Kelly comes in with more competitive experience, especially during his time at Motherwell. He ticks crucial boxes for European competitions as an academy-grown player and seems to be at a similar level to McCrorie.
Verdict: Kelly could be considered a slight upgrade, mainly due to his experience and the game time he’s amassed.
Ryan Jack vs. Connor Barron
Ryan Jack was a fan favourite when fit, offering stability and quality in the midfield. However, injuries hampered his ability to contribute consistently.
Connor Barron has been a revelation so far, hitting the ground running at Ibrox. While he’s not yet at Jack’s level, his potential and, importantly, his availability make him a valuable asset.
Verdict: Barron’s youth and availability suggest he could grow into a player of Jack’s caliber or even surpass him, which makes this a positive change for the squad.
Jose Cifuentes vs. Mohamed Diomande
Jose Cifuentes was touted as a player who could take Rangers to the next level, but the reality was different. Struggling to adapt to the Scottish game and culture, he quickly found himself out of favour.
Diomande, who joined on a loan with an obligation to buy, has already shown he’s a step above Cifuentes. Although his recent form has dipped, he has demonstrated enough potential to suggest he can be a key player moving forward.
Verdict: Diomande is an undeniable upgrade over Cifuentes, bringing more to the team even though he is still a work in progress.
Ben Davies vs. Neraysho Kasanwirjo
Ben Davies struggled to adapt to the physicality of Scottish football despite being a talented player. His lack of strength and aerial presence often left him exposed.
While it’s too soon to give a complete assessment of Kasanwirjo, his physical attributes appear more suited to the demands of Scottish football. He looks like a unit, which is precisely what Davies lacked.
Verdict: Too early to say, but Kasanwirjo seems to address some of the weaknesses Davies had.
Fabio Silva vs. Oscar Cortés
Fabio Silva had technical ability but lacked the grit and determination expected by the Ibrox faithful. His time at Rangers felt like a missed opportunity.
Oscar Cortés, despite his injury struggles last season, is now showing why the club kept faith in him. His flair, creativity, and determination to impact the game make him a more exciting option than Silva.
Verdict: Cortés offers more than Silva, adding a fresh dynamic to the squad.
What About the Other Players?
Rangers didn’t replace every outgoing player with a like-for-like signing. For example, there was a search for a replacement for John Lundstram, which ultimately didn’t materialise. Jon McLaughlin and Robby McCrorie left, but only one keeper was signed, with youth players available as backups. Clinton Nsiala has been featuring mainly in the B-Team, and Kemar Roofe’s departure leaves us slightly short up front, though Danilo’s return from injury should help.
Overall Squad Review
The squad has undoubtedly seen an injection of youthful potential. While results and performances haven’t fully convinced yet, the new additions have added quality and room for growth. The club has also managed to reduce the wage bill by around £10 million per year, which can’t be overlooked.
Yes, the squad is still finding its rhythm, and some new players are adjusting to life at Rangers. But by replacing aging players with younger talents, Rangers have positioned themselves for future success. It’s not all smooth sailing right now, but the foundations seem stronger, and the potential is there.
Verdict: Despite the growing pains, the squad appears to be in a better place than last season. Patience will be key, but things are moving in the right direction.