Rangers Handed Surprise Josh Windass Transfer Boost as Simon Jordan Reveals Former Ibrox Star Is Considering Return

Rangers may be set for one of the most surprising transfer stories of the summer after TalkSport pundit Simon Jordan revealed that former fan favourite Josh Windass could be considering a sensational return to Ibrox.

The Glasgow giants are entering a new era under recently appointed manager Derek McInnes, and with the managerial uncertainty now finally resolved, attention has shifted firmly toward strengthening the squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Supporters have already witnessed the arrival of striker Lawrence Shankland, while speculation continues to grow regarding further additions. However, few transfer rumours have generated as much excitement among Rangers fans as the possibility of seeing Josh Windass back in a blue shirt eight years after his departure from the club.

The attacking midfielder and forward has enjoyed an impressive career since leaving Glasgow in 2018, establishing himself as one of the English Football League’s most productive attacking players. Following an outstanding season with Wrexham, where he scored 17 goals in all competitions, fresh comments from Simon Jordan have now added fuel to growing speculation that a return north of the border may not be completely out of the question.

## Rangers Turn Attention Back to Transfers

The past few weeks have been dominated by managerial developments at Ibrox.

Following lengthy speculation surrounding the future of Danny Rohl, the German coach officially departed Rangers earlier this week to take charge of Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg. The announcement brought an end to weeks of uncertainty and immediately paved the way for Derek McInnes to be confirmed as Rangers’ new manager.

McInnes arrives with a wealth of experience in Scottish football and a reputation for building competitive teams. The former Hearts boss has already wasted little time in making his mark on the squad.

His first major signing came in the form of Lawrence Shankland, a player he knows well from their time together at Tynecastle. The Scotland international striker is expected to add goals and leadership to the Rangers attack.

Yet supporters know that one signing alone will not be enough.

Rangers are preparing for another demanding season in which they will be expected to challenge for the Scottish Premiership title, compete strongly in domestic cup competitions and make an impact in Europe.

As a result, recruitment remains a major priority.

The release of the Scottish Premiership fixtures has only increased anticipation among fans. Rangers will begin their domestic campaign with a trip to Tannadice to face Dundee United, and supporters are eager to see several new arrivals before that opening fixture arrives.

While many expected transfer discussions to centre around young prospects or overseas signings, Simon Jordan’s latest comments have unexpectedly brought Josh Windass back into the conversation.

## Simon Jordan Drops Major Hint

Speaking on TalkSport, Jordan revealed details of a recent conversation he had with the former Rangers attacker while travelling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup.

Although careful not to disclose too much information, the former Crystal Palace chairman suggested that Windass had at least considered the possibility of returning to Glasgow.

Jordan said:

“I was talking to Josh Windass on the plane. There was a perception that he might have been potentially considering an opportunity to go to Rangers.”

The comments immediately attracted attention among Rangers supporters.

TalkSport presenter Jim White sought clarification, asking whether Jordan was specifically referring to a move back to Rangers.

Jordan responded:

“Yeah, but I am not going to talk on behalf of Josh because Josh has a contract at Wrexham.”

While the comments stopped short of confirming any ongoing negotiations, they were enough to spark widespread speculation.

In modern football, transfer rumours emerge every day. However, suggestions coming directly from someone who has recently spoken to the player inevitably carry greater significance.

For Rangers supporters who remember Windass fondly, the possibility of a reunion is certainly intriguing.

## A Player Who Never Lost Popularity at Ibrox

Josh Windass remains a player many Rangers fans look back on with affection.

Arriving at the club during a period of rebuilding, he quickly established himself as an energetic and entertaining attacking presence.

His pace, direct running and eye for goal made him a valuable member of the squad, while his commitment on the pitch ensured he became popular among supporters.

Although his Rangers career was not always straightforward, he frequently delivered important moments.

His best season came during the 2017/18 campaign.

Operating in several attacking roles, Windass produced impressive numbers, scoring 18 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.

For a player often deployed as an attacking midfielder rather than an out-and-out striker, those statistics represented an excellent return.

He became one of Rangers’ most consistent attacking threats and regularly demonstrated an ability to arrive in dangerous positions.

Many supporters believed he was entering the prime years of his career and expected him to remain a key figure for years to come.

Instead, his time at Ibrox came to an abrupt end.

## Why Windass Left Rangers

Despite his popularity among supporters, Windass ultimately decided to leave Rangers during the summer of 2018.

At the time, the Englishman explained that he did not feel fully appreciated at the club and believed a move back to England would provide a better environment for his development.

The decision surprised many supporters.

After all, Windass had just enjoyed the most productive season of his career.

However, football careers are often shaped by factors beyond statistics alone.

The attacker felt that a fresh challenge was necessary and subsequently completed a move to Wigan Athletic in the English Championship.

It was a transfer that divided opinion among Rangers supporters.

Some understood his desire for a new opportunity, while others felt the club was losing one of its most effective attacking players.

Either way, the move marked the end of an important chapter in Windass’ career.

## Mixed Beginnings in England

Windass’ first spell in England following his Rangers departure proved more difficult than many expected.

His time at Wigan Athletic failed to replicate the success he had enjoyed in Scotland.

Although he showed flashes of quality, consistency proved elusive and opportunities became increasingly limited.

Eventually, a loan move to Sheffield Wednesday offered him a chance to revive his career.

That opportunity would prove transformative.

The move initially appeared to be a temporary solution, but Windass quickly impressed at Hillsborough.

His performances convinced Sheffield Wednesday to make the deal permanent, and he soon became one of the club’s most influential players.

## Becoming a Sheffield Wednesday Hero

Over the following years, Windass established himself as a fan favourite at Sheffield Wednesday.

His versatility allowed him to operate as a striker, attacking midfielder or wide forward, giving managers valuable tactical flexibility.

Even during difficult periods for the club, he remained one of their most reliable performers.

The 2020/21 season highlighted both his quality and the challenges facing Sheffield Wednesday.

Windass contributed ten goals during the campaign, but despite his efforts the club suffered relegation from the Championship.

Rather than seeking an immediate move elsewhere, he remained committed to helping Wednesday recover.

His loyalty was rewarded when he played a major role in the club’s eventual promotion back to the second tier.

Those performances further enhanced his reputation and demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure.

## Career-Best Form

As Windass entered his thirties, many expected his productivity to decline.

Instead, the opposite happened.

The 2024/25 campaign proved to be the most prolific season of his career.

Operating in an advanced attacking role, he scored 13 Championship goals and consistently produced match-winning performances.

His experience, movement and intelligence allowed him to remain effective even as younger players emerged around him.

Unfortunately for Sheffield Wednesday, financial difficulties created uncertainty regarding the club’s future.

The situation ultimately led to Windass leaving Hillsborough.

Several clubs expressed interest, but it was ambitious Wrexham who secured his signature.

At the time, some questioned whether the move represented a step backwards.

Those doubts quickly disappeared.

## Flourishing at Wrexham

Windass enjoyed an excellent first season with Wrexham.

The Welsh club, backed by ambitious ownership and determined to continue their remarkable rise through the English football pyramid, viewed the experienced attacker as a key addition.

He repaid that faith with goals, creativity and leadership.

Across all competitions, Windass scored 17 goals and became one of Wrexham’s standout performers.

His contributions helped the club remain firmly in contention for promotion throughout the campaign.

Although Wrexham narrowly missed out on the play-offs, the season reinforced Windass’ reputation as one of the most effective attacking players outside the Premier League.

At 32 years old, he continues to demonstrate the qualities that made him such a popular figure during his Rangers days.

## Would a Return Make Sense?

The possibility of Windass returning to Rangers naturally raises several questions.

From a football perspective, there are arguments both for and against the move.

On one hand, Rangers supporters already know exactly what Windass would bring.

He understands the demands of playing at Ibrox, appreciates the pressure associated with representing one of Scotland’s biggest clubs and has previously delivered goals in a Rangers shirt.

His versatility would also appeal to Derek McInnes.

Windass can operate as a central striker, supporting forward, attacking midfielder or wide attacker.

Such flexibility can be invaluable across a long season involving domestic and European commitments.

Additionally, his experience could provide valuable leadership within the dressing room.

On the other hand, Rangers must carefully consider the long-term direction of their recruitment strategy.

The club has often spoken about lowering the average age of the squad and investing in players with resale value.

At 32, Windass would not fit that profile.

Any potential move would therefore need to be judged purely on his ability to make an immediate impact.

## What Happens Next?

For now, there is no confirmation that Rangers are actively pursuing a deal.

Simon Jordan’s comments merely suggest that the player may be open to the possibility of a return.

Much will depend on Rangers’ transfer priorities, Wrexham’s willingness to discuss a deal and Derek McInnes’ assessment of the squad’s needs.