Glasgow Rangers need to make major changes to their squad if they are to compete for next season’s Scottish Premiership title after falling 10 points short of first place this season.
Manager Danny Rolle has already moved to sign Laurence Shankland from Hearts on a permanent deal to strengthen his options at the top end of the pitch after the Scotland international scored 16 league goals in 2025-26.
However, signing the 30-year-old centre-forward is just the start for the Light Blues, who need to upgrade their starting line-up across the pitch to build their dream eleven for next season.
goalkeeper and defense
Starting between the sticks, Jack Butland could take over as number one. He has one year left on his contract and finished the 2025/26 season with seven errors resulting in shots or goals in the Premiership, tied for the most in the division.
Ger, who has only made one mistake leading to a shot or a goal in this Championship, could command a £5m transfer fee and has been linked with Sheffield Wednesday’s Pearce Charles, who previously worked with Rolle.
Rangers already know they will need to fill in at right-back with James Tavernier leaving at the end of the month, with Hammarby right-back Hampus Skoglund potentially joining for a £2m fee.
At the heart of the defense, the Gers are reportedly leading the race to sign Dundee star Luke Graham as a left-sided centre-back. He is expected to cost more than £1.5m, possibly more than £2m, and will be an upgrade over John Souter.
With these additions in place, Rohr will be left with Charles in goal and a back four of Skoglund, Emmanuel Fernandes, Graham and Tour Romans.
midfield
The Germans often prefer a 4-2-2-2 formation towards the end of the season, so this dream set-up only has two central midfielders in the middle.
Toti Chukwani was signed from Sturm Graz in the January transfer window and is expected to start in midfield again in 2025/26, but Ger may need a replacement for Nicolas Raskin.
The Scottish giants are reportedly preparing to make an offer for the Belgium international and should target Motherwell star Elliott Watt as an ideal replacement.
He is valued at £3m by the Premiership side and could be a bargain for the Light Blues given his form in the league this season, as the 26-year-old ace ranks higher among his colleagues in a number of key metrics.
Watt joins Ibrox as a proven Premiership performer who will be an immediate replacement for Ruskin, providing quality, defensive ability and mobility in midfield.
attack
Jeddy Gassama and Shankland should be locked in as the two attacking starters from the current squad, with one of the wide positions and one of the striker slots open to discussion.
It was recently reported that Ibrox Giants are looking to bring Mikey Moore back to the club on a second loan after spending the 2025/26 season on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, and he would be a great addition.
25/26 Premiership | mikey moore |
|---|---|
Appearance | 33 |
xG | 5.13 |
the goal | 7 |
A big opportunity has arisen | 7 |
Shah | 4.23 |
assist | 3 |
The 18-year-old starlet has created a total of 14 goals and “big chances” in the league and could take his game to the next level in the 2026/27 season after gaining a year’s experience at the top level.
Bringing Moore back on loan would save the club millions of dollars on signing a new attacking midfielder to play behind the two centre-forwards, freeing up more funds to sign a potential replacement for Youssef Cermiti.
Galatasaray, Feyenoord, PSV and Besiktas are reportedly eyeing the number nine, who has scored 15 league goals for Gers this season, with an asking price of £25 million for the former Everton man.
If the Portugal Under-21 international were to leave for a record fee, Rangers would pay a reported £4m asking price for Motherwell centre-forward Tawanda Maswanhise, who won the Premiership Golden Boot with 17 goals.
The Zimbabwe international has scored 17 goals in the league and 22 in all competitions, surpassing both Shankland and Chelmity, and will form a formidable duo with the former Hearts captain at Ibrox.
A lot could change at Ibrox this summer, which is a good thing now that they’re 10 points shy of the title. This dream new eleven will include a new contract worth £16m, as well as a free contract from Shankland and a loan deal from Moore.
Dream Ranger XI 26/27 | |
|---|---|
position | player |
GK | Pierce Charles |
R.B. | Hampus Skoglund |
C.B. | Emmanuel Fernandez |
C.B. | luke graham |
lb | Tours Rommens |
DM | Elliot Watt |
DM | Tochi Chukwani |
RW | mikey moore |
ST | Lawrence Shankland |
ST | thank you very much. |
LW | Jade Gassama |
On paper, this eleven looks like a significant upgrade to what Rohr was working with last season, given the added goal threat and the signing of a proven Premiership player. That’s why clubs need to work hard to get these deals done.
Rangers could sign a 22-goal star like Alfredo Morelos for £4m
Rangers need to press ahead with signing a £4m star rated like Alfredo Morelos in his prime for Danny Rolle.
