Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha has secured the signing of Portuguese defender Bruno Alves. But is a policy shake-up required at Ibrox?
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha
With a big season ahead of him, it's no surprise to see Rangers boss Pedro Caixinha getting business done early this summer. The Gers have moved quickly to bring Portuguese defender Bruno Alves to the club.
Alves, who won the European Championship last summer with Portugal, will add experience and leadership to Ibrox.
However, at aged 35, and signed on to a two year contract, Bruno Alves adds to a long list of Rangers defenders who's best days are arguably behind them.
Portugal's Bruno Alves fouls England's Harry Kane before being sent off
Having parted ways with defenders such as Clint Hill (38) and Phillipe Senderos (32), it's a surprise to see yet another defender brought to the club during the twilight of their career.
After such a disappointing season, under both Mark Warburton and new boss Caixinha, it is important to begin improving and get recruitment right as early in the summer window as possible.
Over the past, Rangers fans have been subject to a mix of both young talent and older more experienced players, but the recent season was saw little success with this approach. Now is the time to focus on the former.
Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha gestures to the players
If they want to compete with Celtic next season, then Rangers are going to need to re-think much of their recent transfer strategy. Though being mindful of not over-spending, this Glasgow giant arguably deserves and needs more investment in the playing squad if it is to hold any hope of clinching next season's title.
Last summer, Brendan Rodgers made clever purchases. Bringing in young, talented players who were keen to prove themselves at a big club had a major impact on their achievements this season. Players such as Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele's reputations have now sky-rocketed.
This is the model Rangers must follow. Younger, hungrier players, be they from the Premier League, Championship, England's lower divisions or abroad, with something to offer other than experience and knowledge.
It is in this strategy that Rangers title hopes will live or die next season.
Celtic and Glasgow Rangers fans
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