2021 has been a historic year for Rangers.
Steven Gerrard led the club to a record 55th Scottish league title and succeeding manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst taking the Glasgow giants into the New Year top of the table and with a European clash with Borussia Dortmund on the horizon.
Opinions on the now-Aston Villa manager will vary depending on which Rangers supporter you ask, but there’s no denying that Gerrard brought success back to the Gers and laid the foundations for Van Bronckhorst to flourish in 2022.
One such thing Gerrard left the Dutch coach was four new players brought in from the summer. And HITC Football will be ranking how each of the new off-season arrivals have so far faired following their moves to the Scottish giants this year.
Juninho Bacuna
After impressing with Huddersfield Town in both the Premier League and Championship, Juninho Bacuna looked like a solid signing for Rangers when the midfielder arrived in the summer. However, the 24-year-old Dutch-born player has struggled with life in Scotland.
The former Groningen star has been limited to just a handful of appearances under both Gerrard and Van Bronckhorst, and with Bacuna playing just seven minutes of football in December, the Curacao international could well be out the door just six months after arriving in Glasgow.
Ranking: 3/10
John Lundstram
Despite being relegated and released by with Sheffield United, John Lundstram has impressed since making the move up north with Rangers, with the midfielder proving to be a smart pick up for the Scottish side.
An experienced player at just 27-years-old, Lundstram has had some moments to forget and is still yet to truly win over Van Bronckhorst. However, the midfielder has so far proven to be a good addition to Rangers, as well as a solid option off the bench both in the SPL and in the UEFA Europa League.
Ranking: 6/10
Nnamdi Ofoborh
A pre-contract signing made in February of this year, Nnamdi Ofoborh looked to have been a shrewd piece of business for Rangers given his age and experience in the Championship for AFC Bournemouth and Wycombe Wanderers. However, fans are yet to see the 22-year-old on the pitch.
The youngster’s medical with Rangers flagged up a heart issue. And six months after joining the club, Ofoborh is yet to be given the green light to play for the Scottish giants. The midfielder’s time with the club remains in the balance, and supporters will be hoping that the talented Nigerian will be back on the pitch in 2022.
Ranking: N/A
Fashion Sakala
Fashion Sakala was without question the highlight signing for Rangers in the summer, with Gerrard reportedly convincing the Zambia star to sign for the Scottish giants over clubs from Spain and England.
However, despite arriving with a big reputation and a personality that has made him a fan favourite at Ibrox, things have been somewhat underwhelming.
As of writing, Sakala has scored just five goals in all competitions for Rangers this season. And whilst this could be pinned down to growing into the Scottish game, the 24-year-old would feel that he could have scored more for the Gers in the first half of the season, with Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe enjoying most of the joy upfront this campaign.
Ranking: 6/10
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