Former Rangers striker Derek Johnstone believes Pedro Caixinha’s recent transfer business is an “encouraging sign” for the club.
Caixinha inherited a below-par squad at Ibrox from his predecessor Mark Warburton in March, and has wasted little time in the close-season in ringing the changes.
The Portuguese has already brought in four new faces – Ryan Jack, Bruno Alves, Fabio Cardoso and Dalcio – but Rangers are set to continue their overhaul throughout the summer months.
At least two more incoming transfers could be confirmed within the next few days, and Johnstone believes the Rangers boss is doing an excellent job in the transfer market.
He wrote in his column for the Evening Times: “The background of the players that are coming into Rangers might not be from the absolute top drawer, but considering where they were shopping this time last year, the signs are encouraging.
“The spine of the team is now looking a lot more robust, and there will be more to come, but it is looking good so far. Caixinha is bringing in players that he knows.
“It’s wonderful too that he seems to be getting his targets in the door early. It shows that there aren’t many people knocking him back, and it seems to be him that they have come here for.”
Last summer, on the other hand, Warburton added as many as 12 senior players, but the majority where snapped up from sides in the lower leagues.
Midfield duo Josh Windass and Matt Crooks, for example, were brought in from English League Two outfit Accrington Stanley, while only three players arrived from a club in a top division.
To add even further insult to injury, a number of those signings struggled to perform to the required standard last season, and Caixinha has understandably brought in players he knows and trusts.
Portugal international Alves, for example, arrives from Serie A side Cagliari, having previously played at top European sides Porto, Fenerbahce and Zenit St Petersburg.
Meanwhile, both Dalcio and Cardoso arrive from the Portuguese Primeira Liga, having both made over 50 appearances for Benfica’s B team.
Rangers also moved to prize midfielder Jack away from Scottish rivals Aberdeen.
But with Rangers’ Europa League qualifying campaign set to begin at the end of the month, it remains to be seen how his new signings will fare, and whether they can help transform the club after a disappointing season.