Many Rangers fans are fully expecting manager Philippe Clement to have quite a busy summer transfer window as he more fully reshapes his squad in readiness for his first full pre season campaign, and season in charge after his October arrival as Michael Beale’s replacement back in the year of 2023/24.
The 50 year old Belgian gaffer’s impact was pretty immediate, and few could argue they did not go on to enjoy a good season, albeit inconsistency issues ultimately cost them at the death when it came to the challenge for the title – but there was enough general improvement for there to be good optimism for the 12 months that lie ahead, especially if Clement is able to do the business that he wants in the coming months.
Rangers have already seen a number of departures as contracts naturally come to an end this summer, and it is now being claimed that a far more prolific striker features very highly indeed on Clement’s target shortlist. Many regulars at Ibrox would have been demanding that this was the case for this summer, as even though they were the second highest scorers in the league last season, there is room for improvement.
Clement will naturally be looking back at the points they had the chance to kill sides off and get more points on the board, but a mixture of form and injury issues meant that this simply did not happen, especially as players struggled to step up and do the job that Abdallah Sima, Cyriel Dessers and James Tavernier had been doing in front of goal.
If anything, the Gers arguably have two spots available in the frontline now in reality, as it is being reasonably widely reported that given Fabio Silva’s performances following his loan spell, they have already decided that he will return to Wolverhampton Wanderers as they have no intention of attempting to now secure a permanent move for the 21 year old.
Sam Lammers will be returning from his loan spell at Utrecht, as given their own business so far this summer, it is highly unlikely that they will follow through on signing him either – pre season may well decide his future, as Clement may feel he needs another chance even if an educated guess says many fans do not.
With a number of positions to strengthen this summer, as well as strengthening the over all squad depth and improving on that front to better counter the injuries and suspensions that will come in the year ahead, fans will simply have to see if they do add one or two further strikers, or whether Lammers returns to being a real option.
It will remain an interesting summer for Rangers fans.