I’m not really in the mood for nostalgia signings, if I’m honest. The idea of bringing Joe Aribo back doesn’t do much for me. He had his moments at Rangers, no doubt, but it was hit and miss, and since leaving he doesn’t look like a player who’s kicked on to the level we’d need now.

Left-back feels like an obvious fix

If we’re talking about improving the squad properly, left-back is right up there. Josh Doig is the sort of profile I’d like to see: a proper left-sided option who can handle the demands of playing for Rangers, with the energy to get up and down and the composure to defend his back post. That position has felt unsettled for too long, and it impacts everything, from build-up play to how safe we look in transitions.

It’s not even about signing a superstar. It’s about getting someone who fits, and who makes the team function more naturally. A solid left-back can make your left winger better, your left centre-half calmer, and your whole shape less lopsided.

Midfield needs quality, not just numbers

If the Americans want to put serious money into the team, then I’d rather see it go into a midfielder who can set a tempo and carry responsibility. I’d be looking at someone like Lewis Ferguson, even at a big fee, because Rangers need presence and drive in the middle of the pitch. I know he’s been back from injury, and I’ve noticed he hasn’t been featuring as much this season, but that kind of all-round midfielder is exactly what we’ve lacked when games turn into scraps.

That’s the difference between having “options” and having the right spine.

Strikers and centre-halves: the balance matters

Up top, Matija Frigan and Che Adams would be my picks in an ideal world. Rangers need strikers who can contribute beyond just finishing, with the work rate to press and the movement to stretch teams, especially domestically when we’re up against a low block. And on the homegrown side, I’d love to see Robbie Ure come into the picture next season. It’s not about chucking him in and hoping, it’s about giving a pathway and building depth that actually makes sense.

At the back, I’m less sure on names, but the type is clear: centre-halves who read the game. That’s what’s missing. I honestly think John Souttar ends up looking worse when he’s beside a partner who switches off or can’t anticipate danger. Then you see Souttar and Tav stepping out of position to cover, and they get the blame for the mess that starts elsewhere.

Fix the decision-making at centre-half and a lot of the noise disappears. It’s not glamorous, but it’s where better Rangers sides are built.

Written by Livibear: 21 December 2025

Tags: transfers tactics injury