‘Rangers must complete signing of Eastern Europe sensation – I’ve been speaking…’
Rangers will be desperate to close the gap to Celtic next term after finishing 17 points adrift of their Old Firm rivals in the Scottish Premiership this term.
The Hoops have widened the gap to their Glasgow neighbours in recent seasons after signing top young talents like Jota, Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate – and developing them into high-value, title-winning stars.
Rangers now have new owners following investment from 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh, who are issuing £20million in shares immediately.
Russell Martin, formerly of Southampton and Swansea, has been named the club’s new head coach as an exciting new era kicks off at Ibrox.
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has insisted Rangers should first look to Eastern Europe as they scour the market for fresh blood this summer.
‘Rangers’ only way back is player sales’, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness revealed he has “spoken to people” in the region about “quality players available for £1-2million”.
Rangers will face Champions League qualifying fixtures in around six weeks and must navigate three rounds to qualify for the league phase.
Wyness insisted “the only way back” for the Gers is to follow Celtic’s model of buying low and selling high in the transfer market.
| Round | Date |
| Second qualifying round first leg | 8-9 July |
| Second qualifying round second leg | 15-16 July |
| Third qualifying round first leg | 22-23 July |
| Third qualifying round second leg | 29-30 July |
| Play-off round first leg | 19-20 August |
| Play-off round second leg | 26-27 August |
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think Eastern Europe would be a great place for Rangers to look right now.
“There’s some real talent in those leagues.
“I’ve been speaking to some people over there about some quality players who you can pick up for £1-2million.
“That would make the £20million budget go a long way.
“But you’ve got to bed them in, so you need a manager who can communicate well and get the squad firing.
“Rangers have got to look at these kind of deals to make the same kind of money as Celtic – that’s the only way back for them.
“It’s going to take patience, it will take three seasons or so to get started.”
Rangers transfer plan revealed
Meanwhile, Football Insider has revealed (2 June) that Rangers’ new owners are expected to make big transfer funds available to their new head coach this summer.
Martin is set to be backed with big money yet again after two strong summer windows while at Southampton.
Big changes are expected at Rangers this summer with Kevin Thelwell starting work as the club’s new sporting director in recent days.
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