GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Rangers have already begun negotiations with several “active” transfer targets for the upcoming summer, and supporters can learn more about the club’s current recruitment efforts thanks to Creag Robertson.
No matter how many titles manager Philippe Clement and his team win this season, the Ibrox team is preparing for a period of transition. In preparation for the upcoming term, the Belgian and his director of recruitment, Nils Koppen, are presently looking for new members.
Earlier this week, rumors circulated that former Gers manager Steven Gerrard was keeping a watch on James Tavernier and Connor Goldson, two important defensive mainstays, in Saudi Arabia. The club would require more reinforcements if they were to leave.
Director of football operations Robertson has acknowledged that they have already had talks with some of the players they intend to sign, but he has also outlined how the Euro 2024 competition in Germany this summer may cause some delays in the process for any new players who arrive early in the window.
“CR said recruitment and Nils Koopen (Director of Football Recruitment) form a key part of the Football Board, which is made up of the Chairman, James Bisgrove, the Manager, Doctor Mark Waller, Zeb Jacobs, and myself,” the April 16 CEO Fans’ Forum minutes stated.
“In terms of player recruitment, we are active in the market right now. Key areas of focus for the Football Board are succession planning, player contracts and player recruitment.
“There are conversations on recruitment every day. When Nils came in, he reviewed the department and changed the structure and process, so we are in a strong place as we build towards the summer.
“A number of good conversations with active targets are underway. I cannot give any more detail right now. Ideally we would like to bring in players early, for the start of pre-season, although the Euros might slow the market slightly. Our intention is to be on the front foot and bring players in as early as we can, but we will need to remain agile to the market dynamics.”
