Rangers squad depth assessed as transfer window sees Philippe Clement’s job become harder
Philippe Clement was in a worse situation than when the window opened, and Rangers’ transfer deadline
day ended in a familiar letdown after a promising start.
A late bid for Yorbe Vertessen indicated that a winger would be an option, and the manager would have
preferred to see more than simply Rafael Fernandes displayed at Ibrox.
The Rangers team appears to be lacking in one or two places after Lyall Cameron signed a pre-contract agreement,
the only other announcement being that one didn’t arrive.
Rangers squad depth after transfer window closes
Free agents could still be signed, however, this is who Clement will have to rely on for the rest of the season.
Goalkeeper
A position that has been talked about recently due to Jack Butland’s injury and then return to the Rangers starting XI.
The nine times capped England international hasn’t looked back to his best yet, but goalkeeper is no different
to anywhere else despite calls for Liam Kelly to get his place back.
Despite gaining crucial experience in and near the first squad, Mason Munn is most likely going on loan for the upcoming campaign.
Right back
With Adam Devine out on loan at Queen’s Park and Jack Harkness at Stirling Albion, James Tavernier
is basically being covered Leon King until Dujon Sterling is fit.
As seen recently though, Ridvan Yilmaz can also fill in.
The only problem is, Sterling and Ridvan aren’t exactly the most reliable when it comes to being available week in, week out.
Left back
Jefte was signed in the summer as a project player to be developed and given time to settle into a big club
with the pressure of having to win every week, however, he has made the position his own.
Ridvan provides a comparable profile when healthy in terms of attacking intent and ball carrying, though perhaps not the same aerial prowess.
With Robbie Fraser at Livingston, Clinton Nsiala could move over one position if Clement got desperate.
Centre half
a position that was recently troubled by injuries but is now in fine condition.
Given his profile, Rafael Fernandes‘ acquisition is intriguing, but Nsiala’s rise has been one of the campaign’s few bright spots.
Robin Propper is the first choice rotation option, and the former AC Milan junior player has won the right to partner John Souttar.
Since Leon Balogun doesn’t need to be seen for the remainder of the season unless there is another injury issue,
he should now serve as a mentor for the younger players.
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Central midfield
Nicolas Raskin might be carrying a few knocks but he will have to dig deep over the next three months
given the shortage of options in the engine room.
His frequent partner Mohamed Diomande is the sole natural number eight with Connor Barron and Bailey Rice providing the backup.
Although the exact duration of Barron’s injury is unknown, it must be lengthy considering that no reinforcements showed up within the window.
Paul Nsio, who made his debut a few weeks ago, won’t have another opportunity to make an impression before the season ends.
Attacking midfield
A position that has caused problems all season.
The departure of Todd Cantwell has seen Tom Lawrence, Nedim Bajrami, Ianis Hagi, Danilo and Hamza Igamane
all play in the No.10 or support striker position.
Hagi is the most natural in the role, but injuries elsewhere mean that he is needed on the wing.
The pairing of Danilo and Igamane has worked well with Bajrami yet to really show what he is capable of.
Wing
If Rangers spend money on one player in the summer it has to be Vaclav Cerny.
Even at the reported £8m asking price, he is worth every penny.
After Cerny, Clement’s best options are Hagi and Bajrami with Ross McCausland and Findlay
Curtis likely to get more minutes too.
Oscar Cortes must be given time to recover properly so that he can build the resilience needed to become a key player next season and beyond.
At 20-years old, he at least has time on his side.
Strikers
The one area of the park that is in pretty good shape.
All are chipping in with numbers and pushing each other to improve their performance levels although
Igamane has looked like he could do with a break recently.
Cyriel Dessers is back in form and not just in front of goal either, his work off the ball and in linking
play has been much improved to the extent that he is looking like the £4.5m player Rangers signed.
The two major areas of concern are midfield and on the wing. An injury to Raskin or Cerny and Rangers are very short.
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