The January transfer window is almost upon us, and Rangers may look to back new boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Despite Steven Gerrard’s exit, Rangers remain favourites for the Scottish Premiership title.
Still, there are always areas to improve and Rangers will need to make smart moves to fend off Celtic.
Here is our five-point plan for Rangers’ upcoming January transfer window…
Keep Joe Aribo
Aribo seems to have taken another step forward for Rangers this season. The Nigerian midfielder has been producing magic moments whether it’s goals or sublime technique.
Aribo has been vital under Giovanni van Bronckhorst and you can’t exactly see that changing any time soon.
After six goals and three assists in 19 league games, it’s no surprise to hear Premier League clubs are keen.
Southampton are thought to be keen, but Rangers simply cannot afford to lose Aribo in the middle of the season as they chase the title; he’s just too important.
Make a real push for Xavi Simons
Rangers fans were left stunned when Spanish newspaper AS reported earlier in December that Simons is on their wish list.
Simons has been considered a wonderkid for a while, but hasn’t quite broken through at Paris Saint-Germain.
Boss Van Bronckhorst seemingly believes that he can tempt compatriot Simons to Ibrox in a stunning move.
Out of contract at the end of the season, Simons can sign a pre-contract agreement – and what a start to 2021 it would be if Rangers can get him in.
Sign another left back
Borna Barisic is likely to stay put despite links to Aston Villa, but Rangers should still add another option in that area.
So far, Van Bronckhorst has preferred Calvin Bassey as a left-sided centre back. That’s maybe a product of circumstance, but you can see a long-term future for him there.
Adding another left back just to protect against Barisic leaving would be ideal, as Nathan Patterson is not a long-term solution there.
Tell Gerrard to get on his bike
As mentioned with Barisic, former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is lurking for Ibrox stars.
TEAMtalk claim Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara has become Gerrard’s top target with new club Aston Villa, for instance.
Gerrard’s exit left many Rangers fans angry, and immediately selling key players to him would send out the wrong message.
Rangers need to stand firm, tell Gerrard where to go and make it clear that nobody is heading to Villa whilst the Gers are vying for the title.
Make Stephen Kelly decision
Rangers have seen Nathan Patterson emerge as a first-team player, but .that path hasn’t quite been there for others.
Midfielder Kelly has come up through the Rangers ranks but has yet to play a single league game.
Now 21, Kelly needs first-team action and it isn’t coming at Ibrox. Scottish and English clubs want to sign Kelly according to the Daily Record.
It may now be time for Rangers to make a decision on Kelly. If he isn’t going to be in Van Bronckhorst’s plans, it may be goodbye for Kelly.
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