Rangers face ‘very difficult’ challenge executing player-trading model despite new investment
Rangers are facing a “very difficult” challenge executing their player-trading model at Ibrox.
That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the Scottish giants need to bring in talented players who could be sold on for a profit.
Rangers have been criticised for their player trading in recent years after failing to turn a profit on several players.
They recorded a £600,000 loss on player sales last season, while Old Firm rivals Celtic made a £31.5million profit.
It would provide a major boost to Rangers’ financial situation if they could perform better in the transfer market over the coming windows.
Why Rangers are facing 'big structural issue'
Former Aberdeen CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider Rangers must match Brighton with their spending plans after the Premier League side have sold several players for significant profits in recent years.
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh revealed last week the Glasgow club intend to raise £16m via a new share issue to fund investment in the squad.
| Financial Year | Rangers | Celtic |
| 2023-24 | £5.6m | £6.6m |
| 2024-25 | -£600,000 | £31.5m |
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed how the planned cash injection will be spent at Ibrox.
“All these clubs need cash because none of them are profit-making or very few of them are, so cash is always needed,” said Borson.
“Some of it will go to transfers. But they have some pretty big structural issues in Scotland, particularly given the changes in Europe.
“They've also talked about putting the season ticket prices up again because they're talking about the need to invest on the field.”
Why Rangers have 'urgent' need to win Scottish Premiership
Borson insisted Rangers need to start performing better domestically as Scotland is set to lose its second Champions League spot from the 2027-28 season onwards.
“It has never been more important for Rangers to start winning the Scottish Premiership consistently,” said Borson.
“On the back of the European changes, it's now urgent and, therefore, they need this phase of investment to start the process where they can start to generate not just from the stadium revenue, but also from player trading.
“You can't generate from player trading without the inflow of talent on the way in that you can then utilise as you build in the league and then sell on. That has to be the model, and that I'm sure will be the model.
“But it's very difficult to execute because every other club in the world is trying to do the same thing.”
Rangers moved up to second in the Scottish Premiership following their 4-1 victory over Aberdeen, with leaders Hearts sitting three points above them in the table.