Rangers have slowly started their transfer business this month, with Nils Koppen now away and Dan Purdy settling into his role we have made a quiet start to our window.
As the new club structure takes shape following the takeover, and with the appointment of a new Head Coach in Russell Martin alongside Purdy’s arrival, Rangers are preparing to accelerate their business.
The focus is clear: to strengthen the squad early ahead of the rebuild and the crucial UEFA Champions League qualifiers looming in mid-July against Panathinaikos.
So, what has happened in June?
In:
In May we added Oscar Cortes and Lyall Cameron as both pre-arranged deals were finalized.
A deal for Peterborough winger Kwame Poku was unsuccessful as the wide man chose to stay in England with Queen’s Park Rangers.
Moving into July we have now been greeted with some fresh, new faces.
In:
Max Aarons – The first signing of the new era at Ibrox, Aarons has been recruited on a season-long loan spell from parent club AFC Bournemouth this season. With no option or obligation to buy this seems to be a one-season only deal.
Will add experience and a big challenge to James Tavernier and Dujon Sterling at right back. Was previously linked with clubs such as Manchester United and Barcelona during his Norwich City days and is a welcome first addition to the squad.
Was a youngster during the latter days of Martin’s playing career at the Canaries.
Joe Rothwell – Another new signing with links to our new boss. Rothwell has also joined from Bournemouth having spent the last 18 months out on loan, firstly to the gaffers former side Southampton, as they won the Championship playoffs, then to our ‘sister’ club Leeds United last season as they won the Championship title.
A good passer who doesn’t mind a meaty challenge, the midfielder will look to form a strong midfield three alongside Nico Raskin and Mohammed Diomande next season. He is also a set-piece specialist and may take over from Tavernier on corners and free-kicks this year.
No official announcement yet, but as we confirmed yesterday, sources have told Inside Ibrox he has been at the stadium and the Rangers Training Centre getting promotional photos done and the deal is signed, sealed and delivered and set to be announced soon.
Rangers remain heavily linked with moves for Israeli striker Dor Turgeman and a deal is expected to be completed soon as well as teenage sensation Zebedee Lawson, who’s agent has been spotted at Ibrox.
Out:
No more official departures in June as of now.
Of the expired contract players who left at the end of May only Leon Balogun has found a new club as he joins up with Connor Goldson at Cypriot side Aris Limassol.
Youth release Lewis Budinauckas has joined Partick Thistle on a permanent contract, after spending a spell on loan there last year whilst Kristian Webster has been spotted on trial with Queen of the South as he looks to earn a new move after his Ibrox departure.
Hamza Igamane looks set to depart Ibrox after only one season. With the Moroccan sensation set to depart for French side Lille for a fee off around £20 million, adding more funds for incomings over the next two months.
Cyriel Dessers also remains linked with a move to Greek side AEK Athens.
Goalkeeper Kieran Wright remains training with the club but no official announcement has been made over an extension to his contract that expired this month.