As Rangers look ahead to the new season, the forward line will be under close scrutiny. With a mix of promising talent, injury setbacks, and inconsistent form, the club faces important decisions on who to keep, develop, or move on. Below is a detailed assessment of each forward’s current standing and prospects.
Oscar Cortes – Stay
We’re tied to Cortes due to poor negotiations last summer. Officially signed this window for £4.5m, the Colombian has been on loan from Lens for 18 months.
Despite a bright start, injuries curtailed his impact during the 2023/24 run-in. Both Clement and Koppen wanted to extend his loan, which was fair given his injury setbacks. However, committing such a hefty fee for a player with limited recent game time looks questionable, especially after another season marked by injury and inconsistent form.
This upcoming campaign is crucial for Cortes, he must prove he’s worth the investment and recapture his early promise, or risk losing the fans’ support.
Cyriel Dessers – Go
Dessers remains an enigma, capable of moments of brilliance and costly errors often within the same phase of play. His record of 51 goals in 109 matches is solid on paper, roughly a goal every other game, but he frequently fails the eye test.
While his movement is often intelligent, he lacks the clinical composure expected of a top striker. Had he possessed that, he likely wouldn’t be playing in Scotland but in a top league.
For Rangers to reclaim the title, they need a more consistent goal scorer who delivers in key moments. After a strong 29-goal season and impressive international form with Nigeria, Dessers is a valuable, sellable asset. Cashing in and reinvesting should be a priority.
Rabbi Matondo – Go
Back from his loan but Matondo’s move to Ibrox hasn’t worked out. Though he showed flashes, including a memorable screamer against Celtic in 2024, injuries and poor form have kept him from becoming a regular starter over three seasons.
His pace is undeniable, but Rangers have struggled to find a way to exploit his attributes consistently due to limited space and his own inconsistency. Time is up.
However, he should attract suitors, and the club can likely recoup at least some of their investment this summer.
Hamza Igamane – Stay
When Hamza arrived from AS FAR in Morocco, excitement was high, but he initially remained under the radar, missing preseason and early fixtures.
Ex-boss Phillipe Clement kept his reasons private, but the forward eventually made his debut as a late sub in a tough 3-0 defeat at Parkhead. Despite the difficult introduction, Igamane showed clear ability and skill, following up with strong performances against Dundee United and Nice.
Though inconsistent at times, his talent is undeniable. He evokes memories of a prime Alfredo Morelos but with better composure and control. Expect him to develop further and potentially command a record fee if sold next summer.
We should enjoy him while we can.
Ross McCausland – Go
A true Rangers product, McCausland has lived the dream but failed to progress beyond his initial breakthrough.
At 22, he is no longer a prospect and hasn’t developed into the calibre of player needed at this level. He could easily perform for many clubs in the league but not at the standard Rangers requires.
His disappointing performance at Pittodrie late last season likely sealed his fate. A move away this summer, either on loan or permanently, is the best course. Already linked with moves to Basel and to the MLS there is interest there.
Though it is time to part ways, he should always be welcomed back as one of the club’s own.
Findlay Curtis – Loan
Curtis has outgrown youth football, proven by his impressive goal and assist tally last season, but he’s not quite ready for the first team.
Thrown in the deep end at Old Trafford last year Curtis applied himself but was clearly a level below his teammates that night, but the signs are there, and he has the potential to be a real asset.
A loan to another Premiership side or a Championship club aiming for promotion would provide valuable experience. This path should prepare him to return stronger in 2026, ready to challenge for a first-team spot.
Danilo – Stay
A tricky case. The Brazilian has been plagued by injuries just as he was hitting form. With 12 goals in 40 games, his output is decent but limited by sporadic playing time and fitness.
Danilo showed promise during his first season as a starter and contributed important goals; including an injury-time winner against Hearts, a cup final equaliser versus Celtic, and a late goal in the New Year’s Old Firm game.
Rumours of interest from Spain, Rangers should only consider selling for at least the £5.2m we paid. Otherwise, it’s worth giving him a full preseason and a starting role to assess his true potential and return him to his peak value.