Rangers supporters will expect the squad overhaul at Ibrox to continue this summer, allowing their team to compete for domestic honours once more.
Given the perceived closeness of the American takeover of Rangers and the disappointing season the Light Blues have had on the Scottish scene, signings will be in high demand in the coming months.
In the meantime, Gers fans can put all their eggs into the European basket with the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie with Fenerbahce at Ibrox up next (13 March), Barry Ferguson’s boys leading Jose Mourinho’s side 3-1 on aggregate.
Rangers ‘should sign’ Olusanya from St. Mirren
Rangers, under Nils Koppen’s scouting direction, aimed to present former manager Philippe Clement with a roster competitive enough to retain at least one domestic title this season.
That has not been the case, as the Gers are presently stuck in second place in the Scottish Premiership, relying exclusively on another historic European run under Ferguson to keep their season alive.
According to Hugh Keevins, writing on page 58 of the Sunday Mail (9 March), Rangers must take a gamble on St Mirren forward Toyosi Olusanya, who drove the final nail in Clement’s coffin at Ibrox in the Belgian’s penultimate game (22 February).
Olusanya, 27, has fought through the English non-league scene to take his chance north of the border, scooping nine goal contributions including eight goals so far this season.
The former Middlesbrough frontman is out of contract in Paisley in the summer, with Keevins urging Scottish sides including Rangers to grab him while they can – citing not only his impact at Ibrox last month but also with him having “terrorised” Celtic’s Liam Scales and Auston Trusty in their recent meeting.
“This is the guy who terrorised Auston Trusty then Liam Scales during Celtic’s hard-fought win last week in Paisley,” Keevins said of Olusanya.
“A game that came a week after Olusanya harassed and scored against Rangers’ shellshocked defense in the victory that cost Philippe Clement his job at Ibrox.
“Hamza Igamane’s goalless streak for Rangers has reached double figures… And here’s a soon-to-be free agent who would benefit from better players around him. Maybe I am missing something.”
Ferguson can be satisfied with his front-line for the time being.
While Rangers have had some challenges this season, recent games indicate that they are not a major issue in terms of attacking.
Cyriel Dessers has been on fire recently, equaling his entire goal tally of 22 from last season during the impressive win in Istanbul – and was essentially denied a hat-trick by two of the most egregious offside calls you will ever witness.
Danilo, despite his injury concerns, has shown flashes of brilliance, and Igamane may be out of the goals for the time being, but the 10-game drought mentioned by Keevins has seen him play the entire match only four times.
They are contributing goals from wide areas, namely via Vaclav Cerny who needs to be signed permanently by Rangers if the ambition is there at Ibrox. A way has to be found – he is a sublime player and a match-winner on his day.
But Keevins has a point. Olusanya’s career path means his wages won’t be a problem at Ibrox. He is of an ideal age profile; a free agent with no payable compensation fee catch, and has shown in front of all eyes what he can do in front of goal.
