Why Rangers' Window Feels Like Proper Squad Building

Rangers' business has focused on younger signings and sensible coverage rather than chasing expensive fixes. The squad looks stronger in key areas, even if the centre-forward question remains for now.

For me, this has been a genuinely good window for Rangers, and there still feels like time for one more if another deal can be wrapped up before the deadline. The big thing is the type of business: young, talented players on the rise, brought in permanently, rather than another short-term punt that leaves you back at square one.

Young signings with a bit of planning behind them

Rommens, Chukwani and Naderi all look like excellent additions. On Naderi in particular, the reality is we cannot have him right now unless we were willing to pay the full price. Buying him and loaning him back is the best option for both sides. It secures the player, keeps other interested clubs at arm's length, and lets him keep helping with their promotion push before joining us in the summer.

That also means he arrives fresh, ready for what should be his biggest step up yet, with domestic trophies and Europe in mind. It is hard to argue with that kind of forward planning, even if fans always want immediate impact in January.

Skov Olsen and adding competition in key areas

Skov Olsen coming in on loan feels smart as well, especially if other clubs were sniffing about. It is a chance to see whether he can still hit the levels that earned him his move on from FC Nordsjaelland, without Rangers having to commit blindly.

There is also a nice footballing logic to the squad fit, because he is now in a dressing room with players he knows from before, like Diomande, Antman and Chukwani. That kind of prior chemistry does matter, particularly when you are trying to bed players in quickly mid-season.

In terms of the wider squad, it is clear these deals are aimed at positions where we were light, whether through injuries or a lack of genuine competition. Left-back, right-wing and central midfield all needed attention, and it feels like that has been addressed.

Centre-forward still a question, but the squad is not weaker

Archer is being brought in as cover for the run-in, and that might work or it might not. But I do not accept the idea we are somehow worse off than before. With Chermiti and Miovski as the remaining centre-forwards, plus Danilo, it is not like we were getting consistent goals from that area anyway. Of course we all want an out-and-out scorer, but that may need a bit more patience.

That patience also ties into the bigger picture of how far the club has come in a short space of time. Four months ago things looked grim, and the turnaround under Rohl and his staff has been clear to see.

Being realistic about money, Motherwell and summer targets

There is also a financial reality here. Cavanagh and co are not handing recruitment a blank chequebook, and January is rarely the window where proven, established players move cheaply. If you chase that kind of player in winter, you often end up in the silly money zone, and that can backfire.

The more sustainable approach is smart purchases that suit the system, can improve, and carry resale value. That is how you build rather than patch.

On the noise around Motherwell's star attacker, it is easy to see why they are not interested in selling to Rangers, Celtic or anyone else in the SPFL while they chase Europe. If the player wants to move back down south, then it is probably a non-starter anyway. Better to move on, identify the right summer targets, and in the meantime let him take points off our rivals if he can.

As for Archer, I am happy to give him a proper chance for the rest of the season. If he puts himself back in the shop window while helping Rangers chase trophies, that benefits everyone. I have faith we can get silverware, and the mood around the team feels far healthier than it did not so long ago.

Written by LAUDRUPHAGI February 1 2026 18:42:54