Rangers January priorities are coming into sharper focus as Danny Röhl’s side continue their surge up the Scottish Premiership table. Four straight wins have dragged the Ibrox club to within three points of leaders Hearts, and with momentum firmly on their side, recruitment planning is now accelerating behind the scenes.
According to Rangers Review editor Joshua Barrie, Rangers have been linked with Tochi Chukwuani, the 22-year-old Sturm Graz midfielder who played the full 90 minutes when the Austrian champions defeated Rangers 2–1 in the UEFA Europa League league phase earlier this season.
The Denmark under 21 international fits the mould of Rangers recruitment model and the source is reliable.
Separately, Danish outlet Bold has reported via journalist Valdemar Ahlquist that Rangers are also tracking Silas Andersen of BK Häcken.
The common thread? Both players are natural number sixes – a role Röhl clearly wants to strengthen as Rangers look to sustain their title push and add depth for the second half of the season.
Why the number six matters?
Under Röhl, Rangers midfield has evolved into a high-energy, aggressive unit built around counter-pressing and structural discipline – as seen by the increased number of clean sheets since the German’s arrival.
The number six role is pivotal: screening the back line, sensing danger early, and allowing more progressive midfielders to step forward without leaving the team exposed.
Chukwuani fits that profile neatly.
Comfortable receiving under pressure, positionally disciplined, and tactically mature despite his age, he impressed Rangers supporters at first hand during the UEFA Europa League meeting.
His ability to break up play and recycle possession was central to Sturm Graz’s control on the night, and it’s no surprise he has caught the attention of Ibrox recruitment staff.
Andersen, meanwhile, represents a slightly different market play.
Operating in Sweden with Häcken, he is viewed as a technically clean holding midfielder with strong positional awareness and a willingness to sit and dictate tempo.
With Andersen 6 foot 3 and Chukwuani only an inch shorter – both show that Rohl wants and needs more physicality in the middle of the park, with an assured presence that was missing from the summer recruitment drive under Russell Martin.
The Scandinavian market has been productive for Rangers in the past, with current playmaker Mohamed Diomande arriving from Danish side Nordsjælland in January 2024 and Andersen would fit the profile of a player capable of adapting quickly to Röhl’s demands.
What does this mean for Connor Barron?
Any move for a number six inevitably raises questions about the future role of Connor Barron – and that’s where the situation becomes particularly interesting.
Barron has been one of Rangers standout performers during this recent run, anchoring midfield with intelligence, intensity and leadership well beyond his years – he has even become more of an attacking threat in recent weeks due to his set-piece responsibilities with the Scotland international bagging two assists in last night’s 2-0 victory over his former club Aberdeen.
His reading of the game, set-piece delivery, and growing authority have made him a key figure in Röhl’s system, and there is no suggestion he is being displaced.
Instead, the interest in Chukwuani and Andersen looks more like strategic reinforcement than a vote of no confidence.
Rangers are juggling domestic momentum and a packed schedule across league, Scottish Cup – and still have two UEFA Europa League fixtures to fulfil, with the chance of restoring some European pride, and Röhl has repeatedly stressed the importance of competition and squad depth.
A specialist number six would allow Barron to be managed more effectively, rotated when necessary, or even deployed in slightly more advanced roles without compromising structure.
It would also protect Rangers against fatigue, suspension or injury – a lesson painfully learned in recent seasons when midfield depth has been tested.
It does however, almost certainly spell the end for a trio of Rangers outcasts; Joe Rothwell, signed in the summer has failed massively with the standards of Scottish football and Rangers and will depart this month, Kieran Dowell, who also looks set to spent the last 6-months of his Ibrox deal out on loan and Bailey Rice - the once highly-tipped teenager looks set to depart Govan on a free transfer with minimal first-team impact.
January intent sends a message
Crucially, these links underline that Rangers are not standing still despite their improved form. Röhl’s side may be winning, but the message from recruitment activity is clear: evolution continues.
Strengthening the spine of the team in January would signal real intent to Hearts, Celtic and the chasing pack.
Whether it’s Chukwuani’s UEFA Europa League-hardened steel or Andersen’s Scandinavian composure, adding a number six could be the next step in Rangers transform
Elsewhere in the market
Rangers are looking to strengthen across the park this window as Rohl and his men look to progress their title bid with Motherwell man Elliot Watt also a backup target for the midfield position.
Former Hearts full back James Penrice remains a target as Rangers look for competition at left back for Jayden Meghoma – whilst interest remains in Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles – but this is only a precautionary measure in case the club receive any lucrative offers for Jack Butland.
In terms of outgoings, five players have been made avaliable for transfer, while Findlay Curtis could join up with Neil McCann and Billy Dodds at Kilmarnock on a loan deal.
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