Rangers Transfer Rebuild: Five Realistic Signings Derek McInnes Could Target This Summer Including Liverpool and Sunderland Stars
The summer transfer window promises to be one of the most important periods in recent Rangers history as Derek McInnes begins the task of rebuilding the squad at Ibrox.
After a disappointing 2025/26 campaign that saw Rangers finish third in the Scottish Premiership and fall behind both Celtic and other rivals in the race for domestic success, significant changes are expected over the coming weeks. Supporters have already witnessed the first signs of that transformation with the arrival of striker Lawrence Shankland, who joined from Hearts before McInnes officially took charge.
Now, attention has turned toward the next phase of Rangers’ recruitment strategy.
McInnes inherits a squad that still contains quality players such as Nicolas Raskin, Jack Butland and several experienced campaigners, but there is a growing feeling among supporters that fresh energy, greater athleticism and more tactical flexibility are required if Rangers are to challenge for major honours again.
The new manager has built a reputation throughout his career for identifying players capable of making an immediate impact while also offering long-term value. His success at Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts was built upon smart recruitment rather than extravagant spending.
With financial realities still important at Ibrox, Rangers are expected to pursue realistic rather than blockbuster targets this summer.
With that in mind, here are five players who could realistically strengthen McInnes’ squad and help shape a new era at Rangers.
—
## Luca Stephenson Could Solve Multiple Problems for Rangers
One of the biggest questions facing Rangers this summer concerns the right side of the defence.
James Tavernier’s future continues to attract speculation, and even if the long-serving captain remains at the club for another season, Rangers must begin planning for life beyond one of the most influential players in their modern history.
That is where Liverpool youngster Luca Stephenson enters the conversation.
The versatile defender enjoyed a productive spell in Scottish football with Dundee United, where he impressed supporters and analysts alike with his maturity, technical quality and tactical intelligence.
Despite his age, Stephenson demonstrated an ability to handle the physical demands of Scottish football while also contributing positively in possession.
What makes him particularly attractive is his versatility.
The Liverpool academy graduate is capable of operating as a right-back, central midfielder or even in more advanced areas when required.
Modern football increasingly rewards adaptable players, and Stephenson fits that profile perfectly.
For McInnes, having a player capable of covering multiple positions would provide valuable flexibility throughout a demanding season that could include domestic and European commitments.
The financial aspect also makes sense.
Rather than spending significant sums on an established player, Rangers could potentially secure a deal that offers excellent long-term value while still addressing immediate squad needs.
At just 22 years of age, Stephenson represents the type of signing that could develop into a major asset over the coming years.
His previous experience in Scotland would also minimise adaptation concerns.
Unlike many foreign recruits, he already understands the intensity, physicality and expectations associated with Scottish football.
That familiarity could allow him to make an immediate contribution.
—
## Dan Neil Could Transform Rangers’ Midfield
If there is one area many Rangers supporters believe requires improvement, it is midfield control.
Too often during the previous campaign, Rangers struggled to dominate possession against strong opponents.
The team occasionally lacked composure, rhythm and creativity from deeper positions.
Dan Neil could change that.
The Sunderland midfielder has established himself as one of the most highly regarded young midfielders outside the English Premier League.
His performances have attracted attention from clubs across Britain, and Rangers have reportedly admired his abilities for some time.
Neil’s greatest strength is his ability to dictate the tempo of matches.
He is comfortable receiving possession under pressure and possesses the passing range necessary to switch play, break defensive lines and maintain control during difficult moments.
Those qualities could prove invaluable at Ibrox.
Playing for Rangers requires more than technical ability.
Opponents often defend deep and attempt to frustrate the Glasgow giants.
Breaking down those defensive structures requires intelligent midfielders capable of controlling games.
Neil has repeatedly demonstrated those attributes.
His passing accuracy, vision and tactical understanding would provide Rangers with a different dimension.
Alongside Nicolas Raskin, he could form one of the strongest midfield partnerships in Scottish football.
Raskin would bring energy, aggression and ball-winning ability.
Neil would provide creativity, organisation and composure.
Together, they could become the foundation of McInnes’ new-look side.
Age is another important factor.
At 25, Neil is entering what should be the peak years of his career.
He combines youth with experience and still possesses room for further development.
From a recruitment perspective, that profile is extremely attractive.
While securing his signature would not be easy, Rangers supporters would undoubtedly welcome a player of his quality.
—
## Ross McCrorie Could Complete a Remarkable Homecoming
Few transfer stories generate excitement quite like the return of a former academy graduate.
Ross McCrorie remains a familiar name among Rangers supporters despite several years away from Ibrox.
Since leaving Glasgow, the versatile Scottish international has matured considerably.
His performances for Bristol City have showcased the development of a player who now appears ready for a bigger challenge.
McCrorie’s versatility is arguably his greatest asset.
Throughout his career, he has played as a right-back, defensive midfielder and central defender.
That flexibility would be hugely valuable for McInnes.
In modern football, squad depth often determines success.
Managers require players capable of filling multiple roles throughout a long season.
McCrorie offers exactly that.
Physically strong, tactically disciplined and experienced in British football, he possesses many of the qualities Rangers require.
Perhaps most importantly, he understands the expectations associated with representing the club.
Returning players often arrive with a clear understanding of the pressure that comes with wearing the Rangers shirt.
McCrorie experienced that environment during his early career and would likely embrace the opportunity to return as a more complete player.
His leadership qualities have also improved significantly during his time away.
At 28 years old, he now combines experience with physical maturity.
While he may not generate the same headlines as some foreign signings, he could prove one of the smartest additions Rangers make this summer.
—
## Lawrence Vigouroux Could Strengthen Goalkeeping Options
Goalkeeping may not be the most urgent priority at Ibrox, but smart clubs always plan ahead.
Jack Butland remains one of Rangers’ most important players, yet competition and succession planning are essential components of long-term squad building.
Lawrence Vigouroux represents an intriguing option.
The Swansea City goalkeeper has earned praise for his modern approach to the position.
Comfortable with the ball at his feet and confident in possession, he embodies the qualities increasingly demanded from top-level goalkeepers.
Football continues to evolve.
Goalkeepers are no longer judged solely on shot-stopping ability.
Distribution, decision-making and communication have become equally important.
Vigouroux excels in these areas.
His ability to initiate attacks from deep positions would suit a Rangers side expected to dominate possession against most domestic opponents.
The Chilean international also brings valuable experience.
Having played in multiple leagues and different footballing environments, he possesses the maturity required to compete at a club with high expectations.
Competition often improves performance.
Bringing in a goalkeeper of Vigouroux’s calibre could push existing players while simultaneously providing greater security for the future.
European ambitions require strength throughout the squad, and quality depth in goal can be the difference between success and disappointment.
—
## Kwame Poku Could Add Excitement to Rangers’ Attack
Perhaps no player on this list would excite supporters quite like Kwame Poku.
The Peterborough United winger has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking talents outside England’s top divisions.
His performances have consistently attracted attention, and it is easy to understand why.
Poku possesses the type of explosive pace that can transform games.
Defenders struggle to contain him in one-versus-one situations.
His dribbling ability allows him to create opportunities from seemingly impossible positions.
Most importantly, he brings unpredictability.
Rangers occasionally lacked that quality during the previous campaign.
Against teams that defend deep, creativity and individual brilliance become crucial.
Poku offers both.
His direct style would provide a different dimension to Rangers’ attack.
Instead of relying solely on intricate passing combinations, the team would gain a player capable of beating opponents through sheer pace and skill.
Supporters often appreciate players willing to take risks.
Poku certainly fits that description.
He attacks defenders with confidence and consistently looks to make things happen.
At just 24 years old, he also represents a player with considerable room for development.
Under McInnes, he could potentially reach another level.
—
## Which Players Should Rangers Prioritise?
While all five players could improve Rangers, resources are rarely unlimited.
Recruitment teams must prioritise.
If Rangers could only complete three of these deals, the order of importance becomes particularly interesting.
### 1. Dan Neil
Midfield control remains essential for any successful side.
Neil’s ability to dictate matches could transform Rangers’ overall performance.
His combination of technical quality, leadership and consistency makes him the standout target.
### 2. Luca Stephenson
Versatility, youth and affordability make Stephenson an attractive option.
His ability to cover multiple positions would immediately strengthen squad depth.
### 3. Kwame Poku
Modern football increasingly rewards teams capable of producing moments of individual brilliance.
Poku possesses the pace and creativity necessary to unlock stubborn defences.
Together, those three signings would significantly lower the average age of the squad while simultaneously improving technical quality and tactical flexibility.
—
## The McInnes Blueprint Begins
The arrival of Derek McInnes has generated fresh optimism among Rangers supporters.
His appointment signals a commitment to building a competitive, organised and hungry team capable of challenging for trophies once again.
The former Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts manager understands Scottish football better than most.
He knows the demands of managing Rangers.
He knows the expectations.
Most importantly, he understands the type of players required to succeed at Ibrox.
Whether any of these five names ultimately arrive remains to be seen.
Transfer windows are unpredictable, and circumstances can change rapidly.
However, each player represents the kind of realistic target that aligns with Rangers’ current needs and financial realities.
What is certain is that Rangers cannot afford another disappointing campaign.
After finishing third last season, improvements are essential.
Supporters expect ambition.
They expect progress.
And they expect signings capable of making an immediate impact.
With Lawrence Shankland already through the door and Derek McInnes now established as head coach, the foundations of a new era are beginning to take shape.
The next few weeks could determine whether Rangers possess the quality required to return to the top of Scottish football.
If they can secure players such as Dan Neil, Luca Stephenson, Ross McCrorie, Lawrence Vigouroux or Kwame Poku, the rebuilding process may accelerate far quicker than many expect.
For Rangers supporters, the transfer window is only just beginning—but the excitement surrounding what comes next is already growing.
