Rangers' Summer Rebuild: New Faces and Tactical Changes

Rangers’ summer rebuild is entering its hard miles now. The new Premiership season kicks off on Friday, the Europa League qualifiers are looming, and Derek McInnes already has seven new faces through the door – plus himself in the dugout.

That will not be enough. Not for what Rangers are trying to be.

Backed aggressively by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, McInnes has been handed both money and a mandate. Lawrence Shankland has arrived and been handed the armband vacated by James Tavernier. The message is clear: this is a different Rangers dressing room, with different voices at the top of it.

But for the numbers to add up – financially and tactically – bodies must leave as well as arrive. And as the window edges into its final month, Ibrox is braced for a frantic spell on both fronts.

Hjerto-Dahl race intensifies

Midfield has already been reinforced with Ross McCrorie and Cammy Devlin, but one name refuses to leave the conversation: Jens Hjerto-Dahl.

The Tromso playmaker has been on Rangers’ radar for months. A £5.4 million bid was knocked back earlier this month, with the Eliteserien club holding firm. Hjerto-Dahl has admitted he is “tempted” by the chance to join Rangers, yet the field is getting crowded.

Cardiff City have pushed hardest so far, lodging an offer close to £8 million. Hull City, freshly promoted to the English Premier League, are now reported in Norway as the latest side to show their hand for the 20-year-old.

For now, Tromso’s transfer chief Lars Petter Kræmer-Andressen insists there have been no fresh formal approaches. Hjerto-Dahl remains with the squad for their Conference League qualifier second leg against Hradec Kralove on Thursday.

Rangers want him. Others can pay more. That tension will define this chase.

Makhanya move close as McInnes eyes defensive steel

While the Hjerto-Dahl saga rumbles on, one deal is far more advanced.

South African defender Olwethu Makhanya is poised to become signing number eight. McInnes has confirmed he could even be registered in time for the league opener away to Dundee United on Friday night.

The 22-year-old’s situation at Philadelphia Union has been toxic. Unhappy at the MLS club after a move to the Belgian Pro League was blocked, he went AWOL last week. Rangers have stepped into the chaos with a £3.3 million agreement.

Makhanya, part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the World Cup but unused at the tournament, offers athleticism and aggression at centre-back. For a manager who built his reputation on organisation and resilience, it is an archetypal McInnes signing.

Antman exit on cards as Anderlecht circle

To reshape a squad, sacrifices are inevitable.

Oliver Antman looked a clever piece of business when he first arrived from Go Ahead Eagles, his early performances hinting at a winger who could stretch games and chip in with goals. That promise has evaporated.

Under McInnes, the Finland international has slipped down the pecking order and is now expected to move on. Belgian side Anderlecht are pushing hardest, with talks over a deal worth upwards of £4 million. Derby County and FC Twente have also registered interest.

For Rangers, a sale at that price would be useful. For Antman, a fresh start looks necessary.

Markelo lined up as wide reshuffle gathers pace

Letting Antman go would leave Rangers even lighter in natural wide players. The response has been swift.

Coventry City’s Jahnoah Markelo is high on the list as a potential replacement, with Rangers keen on a season-long loan. The 23-year-old caught the eye at FC Zurich, earning a £4.3 million switch to Coventry a year ago.

His first season in England never really caught fire. Just six appearances as Frank Lampard steered the Sky Blues back into the Premier League for the first time in 25 years. The talent is there; the platform hasn’t been.

Rangers believe they can offer that platform. A loan, if agreed, would be low-risk and potentially high reward.

Souttar future clouded by Godfrey arrival

At the back, the dominoes are lining up.

The loan arrival of England international Ben Godfrey from Atalanta has sharpened the focus on John Souttar’s place in the squad. The Scotland centre-back only signed a new deal earlier this year, tying him to Ibrox for the coming season.

Now that security feels fragile.

Clubs in England are circling. Leicester City, where his younger brother plays, Sheffield United and Swansea City are all in the frame for the 28-year-old. With Godfrey added to the mix and Makhanya on the way, Rangers suddenly have options – and a decision to make.

Cash in, or keep depth for a season that could stretch them across domestic and European fronts?

McCausland waits for the right move

On the flanks, Ross McCausland looks increasingly likely to continue his career away from Scotland.

The Northern Ireland international spent last season on loan at Aris in Cyprus and is keen on another move abroad. Interest has come from across Europe and Major League Soccer, with clubs weighing up whether to meet Rangers’ valuation.

League One sides in England have already made enquiries, but that level does not appeal to the 23-year-old. Luton Town have also asked the question, yet cannot match the fee or his current wages. That avenue is effectively closed.

McCausland has trained well since returning for pre-season under McInnes and has a year left on his contract. Rangers hold a strong hand. The player is prepared to be patient until a suitable offer emerges.

Cozier-Duberry admiration comes with a price

Amario Cozier-Duberry remains one of the more ambitious names on Rangers’ list.

The Brighton winger, formerly of Arsenal, played a key role in Bolton’s promotion back to the Championship during a loan spell last season and has not slipped off the Ibrox radar.

But talent like this does not come cheap. A permanent deal could cost up to £5 million, with Brighton convinced the 21-year-old has a significant upside in the years ahead.

For Rangers, that fee would represent a major outlay in a window where other areas also demand attention. Admiration is clear. Whether they can turn that into a bid is another matter.

Mendy chase shows how market has shifted

A year ago, Nobel Mendy was on Rangers’ radar. Now he is the subject of a £15.4 million bid from Hull City.

The Senegal international full-back left Real Betis for Rayo Vallecano last year and has continued his upward trajectory. Reports in Spain say newly promoted Hull have tabled a substantial offer to bring him to the Premier League.

For Rangers, it is a reminder of how quickly the market can move away from them. Players once within reach are now commanding fees that belong to another financial bracket entirely.

McInnes walks into this season with a new captain, a reshaped dressing room and a board willing to back his judgment. The next few weeks will decide how bold that rebuild truly becomes – and whether Rangers emerge from this window leaner, sharper, and finally ready to go punch-for-punch on all fronts.