MY ACCOUNT
A year on from reclaiming their status as top dogs in Glasgow, Rangers have fallen well behind arch-rivals Celtic.
That means a rebuild is on the cards at Ibrox this summer with the Gers eager to regain their Old Firm edge.
Ahead of the first leg of the Scottish giants’ Europa League semi-final with RB Leipzig tonight, we take a look at where Giovanni van Bronckhorst needs to strengthen.
A window of opportunity
Steven Gerrard’s departure to take over at Aston Villa in November dealt a massive blow to Rangers, who are currently trailing Celtic by six points with four games remaining.
The Gers have already conceded more than twice as many times as they did throughout the whole of 2020-21 — and they are not quite the 92-goal attacking force they were last term either.
But having only had one transfer window to work with so far, Gerrard’s successor Van Bronckhorst has hardly been able to put his stamp on the side yet.
This summer gives the Dutchman his first big opportunity to do just that.
New No1?
Rangers ought to be on the lookout for a new No1 goalkeeper this summer, with 40-year-old Allan McGregor out of contract.
And with back-up Jon McLaughlin not quite at the standard Rangers need if they are to compete at the highest level possible, there could well be a new man between the sticks next season.
The Gers have been linked with West Brom’s Sam Johnstone, who is set to become a free agent, although they will face stiff competition for the England international’s services.
Goldson set to go
Connor Goldson has been instrumental to Rangers’ recent success, but the centre-back seems likely to leave Ibrox when his contract expires.
And, according to former Rangers and Scotland striker Kenny Miller, replacing Goldson should be Van Bronckhorst’s top priority.
He said: “If Connor Goldson leaves, there’s going to be a huge addition needed. He’s been an ever-present; he’s started pretty much every single game since he arrived at the club four years ago.
“He’ll need to be replaced, that’s the first one.”
In Goldson, the Gers would not just be losing a rock at the back but a leader too — the 29-year-old is the club’s influential vice-captain.
Midfield movers
Aaron Ramsey was hailed as Rangers’ biggest signing since Paul Gascoigne when he joined on loan from Juventus in January.
The Wales international has shown that he is still a quality operator in the middle of the park — but it was reported earlier this month that he is not considering extending his stay in Scotland.
And with experienced duo Steven Davis and Scott Arfield coming to the end of their contracts, the Gers’ midfield could be in for a big summer shake-up.
Adios Alfredo?
With Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe currently on 12 and 10 league goals respectively, this could be Rangers’ first complete top-flight season without a player scoring 15 or more since 1917-18.
But that is not to say the Gers have struggled for goals — Fashion Sakala has bagged seven in 27 mostly substitute appearances during his first campaign with the club, while Joe Aribo has netted eight from midfield.
Ultimately, Rangers’ dealings in the attacking department may depend on the future of Morelos — the Scottish Premiership’s top scorer in 2018-19 — who is reportedly on his way out of Ibrox when the campaign concludes.
