Alious
It’s still early in the season, but Glasgow Rangers’ January transfer dealings have already shown encouraging signs, with new signings making an immediate impact. Wednesday’s emphatic 5-1 victory showcased Andreas Skov Olsen opening his account for the Premiership leaders, while fans also got their first glimpse of 22-year-old deadline-day recruit Ryan Naderi, who arrived having netted eight goals in Germany’s third tier.
Tochi Chukwuani missed the weekend win, but full-back Tuur Rommens left a notable impression in a late cameo, assisting a goal from his left-back position. Historically, winter recruitment can be tricky — for every successful signing like Nico Raskin, there’s a risk of misfires such as Todd Cantwell — yet current evidence suggests Danny Rohl and his team have strengthened the squad effectively. This may only be the beginning of Ibrox’s squad overhaul, as several areas still need addressing.
Concerns start from the back. Goalkeeper Jack Butland’s consistency remains under scrutiny after another error in the win over Kilmarnock. The 32-year-old, out of contract next year, has now contributed to three Premiership goals conceded and an additional blunder in Europe, signaling that the goalkeeper position could be a summer target. Defensively, captain James Tavernier’s contract situation is uncertain, and a potential departure looms. Fellow right-back Max Aarons is expected to return to Bournemouth, while Jayden Meghoma will likely head back to Brentford, and young prospect Mikey Moore may return to Tottenham Hotspur.
Loan signing Nasser Djiga will also depart, while Nedim Bajrami and Rabbi Matondo need fresh starts after limited game time. Nico Raskin might be retained for the short term, though with less than 18 months left on his deal, a summer sale seems probable. Mohamed Diomande may also be moved on, now that Chukwuani has joined. Questions linger over Oliver Antman, whose midweek goal was his first for the club, and Djeidi Gassama, for whom January interest was already rejected. Despite the arrivals of Skov Olsen and Naderi, the attacking unit still needs strengthening, potentially at the expense of Russell Martin.
The number ten role remains problematic. Bajrami has failed to claim the position, while Ianis Hagi’s injury issues curtailed his progress. Michael Cantwell, signed in January 2023 from Norwich City, initially impressed with 11 goals and assists in his first 20 games, but consistency proved elusive. Cantwell returned to England in summer 2024 after 64 appearances, having scored 14 times with 12 assists. Similarly, Thelo Aasgaard, signed from relegated Luton Town, has struggled for impact despite moments of quality like his free-kick against Annan Athletic. His Premiership tally of four goals and one assist from 22 matches, combined with underwhelming performances such as the one against Kilmarnock where he created no key chances, suggests his role as a number ten is no longer guaranteed.
With Rohl now having Naderi and Skov Olsen available — both capable of operating as a number ten — Aasgaard faces serious competition. His tendency to drift in games, producing occasional brilliance but often disappearing from key moments, mirrors Cantwell’s struggles and raises questions about his future as a central creative force for Rangers.
In summary, while the winter window has injected fresh energy and talent into the squad, Rangers still have several areas — particularly in goal, the backline, and creative midfield — that demand careful attention as the club looks to sustain its Premiership challenge.
Alious
