Rangers January transfer wishlist: Bosmans, SPFL prospects and a familiar face - opinion
01/01/2025 07:00 AM
Philippe Clement could have been going into the transfer window with the Premier Sports Cup retained and a six-point gap to Celtic if it wasn't for Rangers' recent collapse.
Instead, after defeat to St Mirren and a draw to Motherwell, the manager is even closer to losing his job with a squad that still needs a lot of work.
The starting XI is taking shape in that Rangers have looked more clinical with the best XI selected, however, who should Nils Koppen target in January to improve Clement's options.
Rangers January Transfer Window Wishlist
Liam Lindsay
Having missed just nine games in nearly nine years, first and foremost, Liam Lindsay is resilient.
At 6ft 4inches tall, he also has the physical presence that is lacking in either box for Rangers.
Currently starring for Preston, the 29-year old has been in recent Scotland squads but is yet to be capped and, on a cut-price deal due to his contract situation, could be a bargain.
Dominant in the air and in defensive actions, Lindsay would be the perfect balance alongside John Souttar or even Robin Propper.
Lyall Cameron
With seven goals and seven assists in 24 appearances, Lyall Cameron is one of Scotland's brightest prospects who has hinted that a move to Rangers is something of a dream.
Another who is robust, with a clean bill of health and whose contract is expiring at the end of the season, the 22-year old is the proverbial no-brainer.
Rangers need midfielders who can score goals, create goals and provide an attacking threat from deep and Cameron is exactly that.
Ryan Kent
Controversial? Maybe. However, Philippe Clement was very close to signing him before Rangers' 11th hour bid sealed the deal in 2019.
On a free transfer, Ryan Kent just makes sense given Rabbi Matondo's fitness issues and Oscar Cortes only just returning after missing most of 2024.
Offer a six-month contract with an option to extend, which could suit all parties and see what happens.
Would he offer more than Ross McCausland, Jefte, Ridvan Yilmaz or Dujon Sterling? Yes.
The 28-year old would also allow Vaclav Cerny to be rested without the whole attack falling apart.
Lawrence Shankland
Once upon a time, Lawrence Shankland might have been good enough to be Rangers main No.9.
Now that Danilo and Hamza Igamane have shown that there is light at the end of the tunnel, this question has been put to bed.
What is a relevant debate, is whether or not Shankland would offer more than Cyriel Dessers on less than half the wages?
Rangers need to shop clever and signing Shankland on a pre-contract agreement or cut-price deal would free up more wiggle room to move Dessers on.
Not only would this bring in money to spend on priority areas like centre-half, but it would save money on the wage bill too.
Jack MacKenzie
If the reports are accurate that Rangers could be about to sell Ridvan Yilmaz, then they will need to reinforce the left-back position.
Jack MacKenzie is physically imposing at nearly 6ft 2inches tall, is athletic and more than comfortable at delivering from wide areas as Rangers found to their cost at Pittodrie.
The 24-year old is another who is soon to be out of contract, the Gers could make a significant improvement to their UEFA home-grown quota in the next couple of windows whilst also making it a more robust and aggressive squad.
Adama Traore
The Ferencvaros flyer was at the “advanced stages” of a move to Rangers in the summer and will soon be able to speak to clubs over a pre-contract agreement.
The Mali international might not be at the right age for a player trading model, however, on a free transfer, he has the guaranteed quality that a senior professional needs.
With doubts over the ability to retain the services of Vaclav Cerny, Traore could be the perfect replacement.
Darius Olaru
Links have resurfaced over Rangers making a move for Darius Olaru in recent months and the Romania international is certainly an upgrade in terms of creativity from midfield.
Playing predominantly as a No.8 or attacking midfielder, the 26-year old is tipped to leave FCSB after a falling out with owners and management.
With 15 goals and seven assists in 30 games, Olaru has the sort of numbers that Clement doesn’t have in his engine room and would be worth every penny of the reported £4m release clause.
