The January transfer window is drawing ever closer, and Rangers will be looking for new signings to aid their push for European qualification.
Rangers have only lost three league games this season, but given that they’re lagging behind Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the table, manager Mark Warburton has come in for criticism this season.
Given that some summer signings have proven to be failures for Rangers, Warburton will be hoping to add a couple of new faces to his squad, especially as second place would hand them a route into the Europa League.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
With that in mind, here is a five-point plan for Rangers’ January transfer window…
Bring in a dependable central defender
Rangers’ defensive record hasn’t been great under Warburton,and whilst he brought in Clint Hill and Philippe Senderos on free transfers, neither of them are long-term solutions to Rangers’ defensive issues. With Hill out of contract at the end of the season and Senderos out of favour, bringing in a proven defender who can become a first-team regular both this season and beyond would be ideal for Rangers – though the Gers may have to splash the cash to land one in January.
Ranger’s Niko Kranjcar in action with Burnley’s Scott Arfield
Land a replacement for Niko Kranjcar
Summer signing Niko Kranjcar was something of a coup considering his reputation, but the Croatian is out for the rest of the season having suffered a major knee injury. With Joey Barton released from his contract after just eight games at the club, it’s imperative that Rangers bring in another midfielder in January, preferably a playmaker who can replace Kranjcar. The Daily Mail recently reported that Rangers are keen on a loan deal for Porto playmaker Joao Teixeira, whilst The Scottish Sun believe that Warburton wants a reunion with Spanish ace Jota, having worked with him at Brentford. Either would fit the bill perfectly, bringing creativity and flair to the Rangers side in Kranjcar’s absence.
Scour England for more pre-contract agreements
Rangers have done a great job of exploiting a contractual loophole over the last year, as they’ve moved to bring in players from England in the final six months of their deals on pre-contract agreements. Cross-border deals allow Rangers to pay a low amount of compensaton for talented players, and they have struck deals with Matt Crooks, Josh Windass, Jordan Rossiter and Joe Dodoo over the last 12 months. Rangers should be looking to continue that strategy next month, with Aston Villa’s Rushian Hepburn-Murphy a target who would fit the bill given that he’s a talented youngster heading towards the end of his contract.
Invest in Warburton
Manager Warburton has been under pressure this term, but it’s time for chairman Dave King to back his manager with funds in the transfer market. Warburton had to rely on low-cost deals for Matt Gilks, Lee Hodson, Philippe Senderos, Clint Hill, Matt Crooks, Josh Windass, Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar and Joe Dodoo, with only Joe Garner coming in as a big-money signing. If Rangers are to close the gap on Celtic, then Warburton needs money to spend on new faces – both in January and next summer.
Keep Martyn Waghorn
Strike Waghorn hit 28 goals in 36 games to help Rangers win promotion last season, but has endured something of a frustrating season so far. Waghorn’s brace against Hamilton Academical on Friday evening were his first league goals since scoring against Hamilton on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season, but he’s scored seven goals in the Scottish League Cup this term. The 26-year-old rejected a new contract over the summer (The Guardian), leading to major speculation about his future, with The Scottish Sun reporting that Bristol City and Fulham are both interested in signing him in January. Rangers must not only reject offers for Waghorn, but also tie him down to a new contract, as he’s one of the most dangerous attacking threats at Warburton’s disposal.
What would you like to see Rangers do in January?
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