Transfer Update: Phillipe Clement will to take BAIT in transfer talk to SIGN promising player with Club willing to include a player plus cash to get Deal sealed.
Glasgow Rangers’ Disappointing Start to the New Season
Despite promises of a squad rebuild over the summer, Glasgow Rangers’ first match of the new season bore a striking resemblance to their performances from the 2023/24 campaign. The 0-0 draw against Hearts on Saturday highlighted persistent issues that have plagued the team, particularly in their attacking prowess.
The much-touted rebuild appeared minimal in practice, with only one new face, Connor Barron, featuring in the starting XI. This lack of fresh talent was evident as Rangers struggled to create meaningful chances, generating a mere 0.9 expected goals (xG) throughout the match.
Cyriel Dessers: A Striker Under Fire
Cyriel Dessers’ performance against Hearts epitomized Rangers’ offensive woes. The Nigerian striker missed two ‘big chances’ and failed to create any opportunities for his teammates. This disappointing showing wasn’t an isolated incident but rather a continuation of his struggles from the previous season.
While Dessers’ tally of 16 goals in 35 Premiership matches last term might seem respectable on paper, a deeper analysis reveals a more concerning picture. The 29-year-old missed an astonishing 27 ‘big chances’ throughout the season, 18 more than any other player in the squad. This wastefulness in front of goal has become a significant liability for a team with title aspirations.
The Lawrence Shankland Solution
As Rangers grapple with their striking issues, a potential solution has emerged in the form of Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland. The Scottish international has reportedly expressed interest in a move to Ibrox, a development that has caught the attention of both fans and pundits alike.
Chris Sutton, former Celtic striker turned pundit, described Shankland as a “ruthless” finisher who could provide a substantial upgrade to Rangers’ current forward options. Shankland’s performances last season certainly support this assessment. The 28-year-old netted an impressive 24 goals in 37 league appearances, missing only nine ‘big chances’ in the process.
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Shankland offers a physical presence that Rangers currently lack up front. In the recent match against Rangers, he won 71% of his duels, showcasing his ability to hold up play and create problems for defenders. This physicality is further evidenced by his average of 3.9 duels won per game last season, significantly outperforming Dessers’ 2.3.
Financial Implications and Transfer Speculation
Rangers’ pursuit of Shankland has been bolstered by Sam Lammers’ move to FC Twente, which has reportedly provided the necessary funds for a potential £3 million bid. However, concerns remain about Shankland’s suitability for Philippe Clement’s high-pressing system, despite his obvious goal-scoring talents.
The Bigger Picture: Rangers’ Title Ambitions
Rangers’ interest in Shankland goes beyond merely replacing an underperforming striker. As a club vying for the league title and success in cup competitions, they require a reliable goalscorer who can deliver in crucial moments. Shankland’s consistent performances and recent accolade as PFA Scotland Player of the Year suggest he could be the missing piece in Rangers’ championship puzzle.
Conclusion: A Critical Decision Ahead
As the summer transfer window draws to a close, Rangers face a critical decision. The acquisition of Lawrence Shankland could potentially address their goal-scoring deficiencies and provide the firepower needed to challenge for top honors. However, questions remain about how quickly he could adapt to Clement’s system and whether he can replicate his Hearts form at Ibrox.
What is clear is that Rangers cannot afford another season of missed opportunities and wasteful finishing if they hope to reclaim their position at the summit of Scottish football. The coming weeks may well define their campaign before it has truly begun.