Rangers head into the new campaign with a renewed sense of optimism.
A fresh leadership structure has taken shape, with a board boasting experience not only in football, most notably with Leeds United, but also in high-level American sports through their work with the San Francisco 49ers.
This infusion of expertise has brought a sense of direction and ambition back to Ibrox.
A new head coach, Russell Martin, brings with him a philosophy rooted in attacking, possession-based football, one that is easy on the eye and, if executed well, could deliver results.
Supporting him is a revamped recruitment team, with Nils Koppen departing and Kevin Thelwell and Dan Purdy arriving to reshape the squad.
So far, there has been plenty of activity in the transfer market. Defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Max Aarons, and Nasser Djiga have been brought in to reinforce the back line with strength and power.
In midfield, Rangers have added Lyall Cameron, Joe Rothwell, and Thelo Aasgaard, signings that hint at a new style, one built on energy, technical quality, and mobility.
However, one critical area remains worryingly light: the attack.
Only one deal has been completed for a forward this summer, and even that wasn’t entirely new business.
Oscar Cortés’ loan move from Lens has been made permanent, but only due to the original deal being an obligation-to-buy.
The Colombian did little to impress last season, and while there’s still potential there, it’s far from a transformative signing, and is a wide option rather than an out and out centre forward.
As things stand, Rangers have just three senior options up front, and all come with question marks.
Cyriel Dessers is the most established of the trio, but he remains a divisive figure among fans. Capable of switching from sublime to subpar within the same game, his inconsistency is frustrating.
Some reports suggest a move to AEK Athens is edging closer, with Greek outlets claiming an agreement is within reach.
Then there's Hamza Igamane. The Moroccan striker is raw but talented, showing flashes of the ability that could make him a star if properly nurtured. However, he too is being linked with a move away, with Lille reportedly interested.
Rangers are said to have slapped a £20 million asking price on the youngster, a figure the French club seem hesitant to meet.
Igamane himself is keen on the move, and while he doesn’t appear the type to force an exit, player power in the modern game usually wins out.
That leaves Danilo, a proven goalscorer when fit and in form. The Brazilian showed his quality with two well-taken goals in separate matches against Celtic last season.
However, his injury record is a real concern, and his inability to return at full sharpness after layoffs raises doubts about whether he can be relied upon as the main striker across a demanding season.
There is also 17-year-old Josh Gentles, who made a positive impression during a recent friendly against Club Brugge.
While he may provide occasional cover, it would be unfair and unrealistic to expect him to shoulder any significant responsibility just yet.
Rangers have been linked with several forwards in recent weeks, but nothing has materialised so far.
Talks were reportedly held with the representatives of former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski about a potential move from Girona.
Miovski is proven in the SPFL and has added experience now in La Liga, he would be a strong, realistic addition.
However, there has been little movement on that front since we reported yesterday that talks had been opened between Miovski’s agent and Ibrox representatives.
Interest in Israeli striker Dor Turgeman has also quietened. It’s understood that any further moves may depend on outgoings, specifically the departures of either Dessers or Igamane.
Another name that refuses to go away is Jamie Vardy. While some fans have raised eyebrows at the potential signing of a 38-year-old, Russell Martin notably refused to rule out the link in a recent press conference, which only added fuel to the speculation.
So the question is: who should Rangers go for, and more importantly, how many?
Looking back to Rangers’ last title-winning campaign in 2020/21, it’s clear that depth was key.
Alfredo Morelos led the line, supported by Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten. Jermaine Defoe brought experience and calm from the bench, while proven SPFL forward Greg Stewart was a solid, if unspectacular, option in reserve.
That variety allowed then-manager Steven Gerrard to rotate effectively and tailor his forward line to suit the opposition, something that proved crucial across 38 league matches and in Europe with Rangers winning the title undefeated and reaching the latter stages of the UEFA Europa League.
Rangers need that same kind of depth if they are to challenge Celtic and compete in multiple competitions. If both Igamane and Dessers do leave, as now seems likely, it should not be a matter of choosing between Miovski, Turgeman, or Vardy. It should be all of them.
Miovski could be your new Morelos, a strong, reliable presence up top who knows the league.
Turgeman and Danilo can offer versatility and depth, filling roles similar to Roofe and Itten.
Vardy, despite his age, could provide a Defoe-like impact: a game-changer off the bench, on and off the park and his experience in big moments could be vital.
Gentles, meanwhile, can learn and develop in the background without undue pressure, operating the backup role Stewart did in 2021, filling in when the pressure is eased.
In modern football, especially for a club with Rangers’ ambitions, a horses-for-courses approach is essential.
No single striker can carry the load across a full season that includes European qualifiers, domestic cups, and a tight title race.
The squad must be built with rotation in mind, allowing players to rest and recover while maintaining the team's attacking threat.
Ultimately, failing to strengthen the forward line would be a serious misstep. It would risk undoing much of the good work already done this summer.
The defence has been bolstered, the midfield reshaped, now it's time to bring the firepower up to the same level.
If Rangers get their striker recruitment right, they won’t just be ready to compete, they’ll be ready to win and to dominate.