Moore returns, £16m spent on new signings: The dream XI Rangers could build

Rangers are heading into a huge summer where almost everything about their squad could change. After finishing ten points behind the top of the Scottish Premiership, there is a clear feeling inside the club that small adjustments will not be enough. They need a full rebuild in several positions if they want to seriously challenge for the title next season.

The arrival of Danny Rohl has already brought a new sense of direction. One of his first major decisions was to secure Lawrence Shankland on a permanent deal from Hearts. Shankland scored 16 league goals in the 2025/26 season and remains one of the most reliable Scottish strikers in the division. His finishing, movement, and experience give Rangers something they lacked at times last season: a consistent goal threat in big matches.

But even though Shankland’s signing is important, it is only seen as the beginning. Inside the club, there is a belief that Rangers need upgrades across the entire pitch. One signing will not close the gap to their rivals. Instead, they are planning a “dream XI” rebuild that could reshape the team from goalkeeper to attack.

The idea is simple: bring in proven Premiership talent, smart overseas signings, and a few young players with high potential. The goal is to build a squad that can compete immediately while also growing stronger over the next two or three seasons.

And it all starts from the back.

The goalkeeper situation is one of the first major questions. Jack Butland has been the number one, but his form last season raised serious concerns. He made seven errors leading to shots or goals in the Premiership, which was one of the highest totals in the league. For a club chasing trophies, those mistakes are too costly.

With only a year left on his contract, Rangers are now seriously considering a change. One name linked is Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles. He is younger, highly rated, and previously worked under Danny Rohl, which makes the potential move even more logical. Charles is seen as a goalkeeper with strong reflexes, good decision-making, and far fewer high-profile mistakes. A fee around £5 million has been suggested, but Rangers believe it could be worth the investment if they want long-term stability.

In defence, change is also expected. One of the biggest shifts is at right-back, where James Tavernier is set to leave at the end of his contract. His departure marks the end of an era at Ibrox, as he has been a key figure for many years. Replacing him will not be easy, but Rangers are already exploring options.

One of those targets is Hampus Skoglund from Hammarby. He is young, energetic, and comfortable pushing forward as well as defending. A fee of around £2 million has been mentioned, which makes him a realistic and affordable replacement. Rangers like his balance between attacking support and defensive discipline, something they will need in a modern full-back.

At centre-back, the club are also working on strengthening the heart of the defence. One player who stands out is Luke Graham from Dundee. Rangers are reportedly leading the race to sign him, with a potential fee of £1.5 to £2 million. He is left-footed, strong in duels, and has shown consistency in the Scottish Premiership.

When comparing him to John Souttar, the numbers highlight why Rangers are interested. Graham wins more tackles and interceptions per game, dominates aerial duels at a higher rate, and is less likely to be dribbled past. He also contributes more in clearances and defensive stability. In simple terms, he looks more secure and more aggressive in defending his space.

Alongside him, Emmanuel Fernandez is expected to remain part of the defensive setup, while Tuur Rommens is being considered for the left-back role. If all these moves come together, Rangers could suddenly have a back line made up of Charles in goal, Skoglund at right-back, Fernandez and Graham in central defence, and Rommens on the left. It would be a completely new defensive unit compared to last season.

But the rebuild does not stop at the defence.

The midfield is another area where Rangers are planning serious changes. Danny Rohl has often preferred systems that rely on strong central partnerships, usually a double pivot that controls both defensive and attacking transitions. In this setup, midfield balance becomes extremely important.

One player already part of the new project is Tochi Chukwuani, who joined from Sturm Graz in the January window. He is expected to play a key role going forward due to his energy, passing range, and ability to press aggressively. But he cannot do it alone.

There is also uncertainty around Nicolas Raskin. The Belgian midfielder has attracted interest from other clubs, and Rangers may be forced to sell if a strong offer arrives. Losing him would create a major gap in the midfield, and the club are already planning a replacement.

That replacement could be Elliot Watt from Motherwell. Watt has had an impressive season and has quietly become one of the most effective midfielders in the league. His statistics show just how influential he is. He ranks in the top percentiles for passes completed, touches, long-ball accuracy, and ball recoveries. He is also strong in expected assists, showing that he contributes both defensively and creatively.

He is valued at around £3 million, which Rangers see as a smart investment. At 26 years old, he is entering his prime and already understands the demands of the Scottish Premiership. That means he would not need time to adapt. He could step straight into the starting XI and control games from midfield.

Alongside Watt, Chukwuani would form a midfield partnership that mixes energy, discipline, and technical ability. Together, they could give Rangers a more balanced and modern midfield compared to last season’s inconsistent performances.

Then comes the attack, which is where things become most exciting.

Rangers already have Djeidi Gassama as part of their squad, and he is expected to remain an important player. His pace and direct style give the team a different dimension in wide areas. And of course, Lawrence Shankland is now locked in as the main striker. His experience in Scottish football and his proven scoring record make him a key figure in Rohl’s plans.

But there are still gaps to fill in the attacking structure.

One of the biggest talking points is the potential return of Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Moore spent the 2025/26 season at Rangers and showed flashes of real talent. Despite being only 18, he scored goals, created chances, and demonstrated confidence in attacking areas that is rare for his age.

He recorded 7 goals, multiple assists, and created several big chances throughout the season. His combined goal contributions and creativity made him one of the most exciting young players in the squad.

Rangers believe another loan could help him develop further while also strengthening their attack without spending a huge transfer fee. If he returns, he could operate as an attacking midfielder or wide forward behind the strikers.

However, his return also depends on what happens with Youssef Chermiti. The Portuguese U21 striker has attracted serious interest from clubs like Galatasaray, Feyenoord, PSV, and Besiktas after scoring 15 league goals. His valuation is reportedly around £25 million, which could bring in a record fee for Rangers if he leaves.

If Chermiti does depart, Rangers will need a replacement striker. One name being discussed is Tawanda Maswanhise from Motherwell. He had an outstanding season, scoring 17 league goals and finishing as one of the top scorers in the Premiership. Across all competitions, he scored 22 goals and outperformed both Shankland and Chermiti in terms of consistency in front of goal.

At around £4 million, he is seen as a strong option. His movement, finishing, and hunger in front of goal make him an ideal partner for Shankland. The idea of pairing the two strikers is particularly exciting for Rangers fans, as it would give the team two different but complementary attacking threats.

With Shankland as a strong, experienced finisher and Maswanhise as a dynamic, energetic striker, Rangers could suddenly have one of the most dangerous attacking duos in the league.

When all these potential moves are put together, the dream XI starts to take shape. In goal, Pierce Charles provides youth and reliability. The defence features Skoglund, Fernandez, Graham, and Rommens. In midfield, Watt and Chukwuani bring control and energy. In attack, Moore, Shankland, Maswanhise, and Gassama form a flexible and dangerous frontline.

On paper, this is a completely different Rangers team compared to the one that finished last season. It is younger in some areas, more experienced in others, and far more balanced overall. It also shows a clear strategy: mix proven Scottish Premiership performers with emerging talent and smart loan deals.

The estimated spending on new signings is around £16 million, which is relatively controlled for such a major rebuild. The hope is that smart recruitment, rather than massive spending, will close the gap at the top of the table.

If Rangers manage to complete even half of these moves, the 2026/27 season could look very different. There would be more competition for places, more attacking threat, and a stronger defensive foundation. Most importantly, there would be renewed belief that the club can challenge for the title again.

Right now, it is still a plan on paper. But if the transfer window goes well, this dream XI could become a reality at Ibrox.