Derek McInnes has confirmed that Rangers are poised to be active in the closing stages of this summer's transfer window, following a hard‑earned 1-0 triumph over Aberdeen that finally delivered the club's first Scottish Premiership win of the campaign. The decisive moment came when Lawrence Shankland calmly converted a second‑half penalty at Pittodrie, a result that eased some of the mounting pressure on McInnes after a tumultuous week that saw the team eliminated from European competition by Jablonec. Despite the relief that the win brought, the Rangers manager made it clear that the club’s work is far from finished.
"I think there will be," McInnes told reporters when asked whether additional signings were likely. He emphasized that the squad still has gaps, particularly in the attacking third, and that the hunt for a replacement for Youssef Chermiti remains a priority. "It was a few weeks ago now, he went down, and we've been working really hard to try and bring in an added goal at the top end of the pitch," McInnes explained.
"We could really do without one in. Hopefully, we've got some good news on that ahead of Wednesday." The manager also touched on the uncertain future of Belgian midfielder Nico Raskin. While he acknowledged that Raskin could still depart, McInnes stressed that no formal offer had yet materialised.
"Nico might be one that moves on. But I don't – as I said yesterday, there were no bids in for Nico," he said.
"But we all know how the last part of the window happens. It's normally the last couple of days that things really motor." McInnes believes that once the deadline passes, Rangers should be as robust as possible.
"I think once the window shuts, we hopefully are as strong as we want to be, and as strong as we can be," he added. He also noted the atmosphere in the dressing room, where players often remain uncertain about their status until the final whistle on the transfer deadline. "A lot of players in the dressing room don't know if they're coming or going with that side yet, and that's just the way it is for managers to try and navigate that last part," McInnes said. The conversation around Rangers' midfield capabilities was further amplified by Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd, who argued that the team is still missing a true link‑up player between midfield and attack.
"You're asking yourself again what is going on with recruitment?" Boyd asked. "If there's not been any bids for Nicolas Raskin, get him in your team because he's the best midfielder by a country mile.
I think they're still shy of someone who can connect the midfield and be creative." Boyd also raised concerns about the size of Rangers' squad, suggesting that the club is carrying too many players and needs to trim numbers before bringing in fresh faces. "Rangers must have over 30 players; it's not sustainable," he warned. "They need to get five, six, seven out at least before the window closes.
There are other areas of the team that need strengthening other than the forward areas." The match at Pittodrie illustrated some of the issues Boyd highlighted. Rangers struggled to carve out clear-cut chances, relying ultimately on the penalty to break the deadlock. Their most promising attack came from a swift counter‑attack where Gassama surged forward, only for his effort to be blunted by Marius Muller and Afeez Aremu, who raced back to clear the ball off the line. The lack of fluidity in the final third underscored the need for a striker who can not only finish but also create space for teammates.
In midfield, Raskin was omitted from the starting eleven, with Connor Devlin and Dan Neil preferred in central roles. This decision sparked further debate about whether the club should retain a player of Raskin's calibre or seek alternatives. While McInnes insisted no concrete bids have been received, the speculation surrounding his future remains a talking point among fans and analysts alike. Looking ahead, Rangers' recruitment strategy appears to focus on two main objectives: bolstering the attacking line with a proven goal‑scorer and ensuring the midfield possesses a creative engine capable of linking play.
The club’s scouting department is reportedly monitoring several candidates, both domestically and abroad, to address these needs before the transfer deadline expires on September 1st. If the manager’s optimism proves well‑placed, supporters can expect an announcement of new signings in the coming days, potentially adding depth and competition to the squad. Conversely, if bids for Raskin finally emerge, the Belgian midfielder could be on his way to a new chapter, freeing up wages and a squad spot for fresh talent.
Regardless of the outcome, the final weeks of the transfer window are always a period of heightened activity and uncertainty. As McInnes and his staff navigate this crucial phase, the ultimate goal remains clear: to assemble a balanced, competitive team that can challenge for the Scottish Premiership title and make a deeper run in European competitions.
The next few days will be decisive in shaping Rangers' trajectory for the remainder of the season.