Rangers are again staring at another rebuild, and the concern is simple: we cannot keep ripping it up every summer, but too many in this squad still feel miles off the standard needed to deliver regular trophies.
There is a core worth sticking with, yet the balance between patience and change has to be far smarter than in recent years.
The Core Worth Building Around
For many supporters the list of players to genuinely build around is shorter than it should be. The likes of Butland in goal and younger faces such as Barron, Fernandez and Nsiala look like they can form part of a longer-term spine. Nsiala is still raw, but the potential is clear enough that he deserves proper time and coaching.
In midfield, Diomande and Raskin have the attributes to be part of a modern Rangers engine room if they are given a settled structure and some real quality round about them. Further forward, Gassama brings pace and directness that we have badly lacked at times. There is also a belief that Miovski will come good with better service and a more stable set-up behind him.
Names like Bajrami, Curtis and even Danilo, albeit maybe only just, still feel like they have something to offer if used properly. Cameron is another who many would simply like to see on the park more often before any big decisions are made.
Depth, Fitness And The Sterling Question
One big unknown is how players returning from longer-term injuries will look over a run of games. Sterling sits in that bracket. On his day he offers power and versatility, but it is fair to ask how he will cope physically after a long spell out and whether he can hit the required level week in, week out.
That is why talk of adding someone like Cornelius, if fit, appeals to some supporters. Rangers badly need more reliable options who can handle the intensity of a full season, not just in Scotland but in Europe as well.
Wholesale Changes Or Drip-Feeding Quality?
As tempting as it is to say “clear the lot out”, constant wholesale changes have done the club few favours. Every window seems to bring another massive churn and then everyone wonders why there is no settled style, partnerships or leadership core.
The smarter route is to accept that a number will remain by necessity, but to steadily drip feed genuine class and experience into the side. One or two proper upgrades every window, players who walk straight into the starting XI, would do more for the long-term health of the squad than another scattergun overhaul.
Time To Plan Beyond Tavernier
The most sensitive part of this discussion is the captaincy. Tavernier has been a great servant and his numbers from right-back have been remarkable over a long period. But there is a growing feeling among sections of the support that his time as the on-pitch leader should be nearing its end.
The worry is that another extended contract simply kicks the can down the road instead of forcing the club to plan a new leadership structure. Rangers need a truly dynamic captain, someone who can mould and drive the squad through difficult spells and set standards every single day. That does not mean disrespecting Tavernier’s service, but it does mean acknowledging that if this team is to dominate trophies again, the armband eventually has to move to the next leader in line.
Rangers News Views aims to give supporters honest, thoughtful coverage without the usual rumour mill, and the honest truth is this: the next few windows have to be about targeted quality and a clear transition in leadership, not another panicked reset.
