Pundit says 17 goal attacker ‘considering’ Rangers transfer opportunity after conversation
The summer transfer window is already beginning to generate excitement among Rangers supporters, and one of the most intriguing stories to emerge in recent days involves a familiar face from the club’s recent past.
With Derek McInnes officially installed as the new Rangers head coach and preparations underway for a crucial 2026/27 campaign, speculation continues to grow regarding potential additions to the Ibrox squad. While much of the attention has focused on new targets from across Europe, an unexpected report has suggested that a former Rangers favourite could be contemplating a dramatic return to Glasgow.
According to comments made by TalkSport pundit and former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, Wrexham attacker Josh Windass may be considering the possibility of returning to Rangers this summer.
The revelation has immediately sparked discussion among supporters, many of whom still remember Windass’ exciting performances during his first spell at Ibrox.
Although no official negotiations have been confirmed, the suggestion alone has reignited interest in a player who remains fondly remembered by a significant section of the Rangers support.
With McInnes looking to reshape his squad and inject fresh quality into the team, the prospect of a proven attacking performer returning to Ibrox has quickly become one of the most talked-about transfer stories of the summer.
## A New Era Begins Under Derek McInnes
Rangers enter the new season facing a period of significant change.
The departure of Danny Rohl to Austrian giants Red Bull Salzburg brought an end to a short but eventful spell in Glasgow. Club executives acted quickly to appoint Derek McInnes, believing the experienced Scottish manager possesses the qualities required to restore Rangers to the summit of Scottish football.
McInnes arrives with an impressive managerial résumé built through successful spells at Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Hearts.
Throughout his career he has developed a reputation for building disciplined, competitive teams capable of challenging expectations.
However, Rangers represent an entirely different challenge.
The pressure is relentless.
The scrutiny is constant.
Supporters demand success.
Anything less than competing for trophies is considered unacceptable.
McInnes understands those expectations better than most.
Having spent years working within Scottish football, he knows exactly what is required to succeed at Ibrox.
His first task involves strengthening a squad that finished third in the Scottish Premiership last season, a result that fell well below the standards expected at Rangers.
The arrival of Lawrence Shankland has already provided supporters with optimism.
Yet many believe additional reinforcements are required if Rangers are to challenge for major honours once again.
That is why reports linking Josh Windass with a return have generated such significant interest.
## Simon Jordan’s Surprising Revelation
The speculation surrounding Windass emerged during a discussion on TalkSport.
Simon Jordan, known for his outspoken opinions and extensive contacts within football, revealed details of a recent conversation he had with the Wrexham attacker.
Jordan explained that he had spoken with Windass while travelling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup.
During the discussion, he became aware of suggestions that the player might be considering a move back to Rangers.
While careful not to disclose specific details, Jordan’s comments were enough to fuel widespread speculation.
He suggested there was a perception that Windass was potentially open to the opportunity of returning to Ibrox.
The comments immediately caught the attention of football supporters across Scotland.
Host Jim White sought clarification, directly asking whether Jordan was referring to a possible return to Rangers.
Jordan confirmed that Rangers were indeed the club being discussed but stopped short of providing further information, emphasising that Windass remains under contract at Wrexham.
The careful wording of Jordan’s comments has only increased curiosity.
Although he did not claim a transfer was imminent, his remarks hinted that the possibility should not be dismissed.
## Why Rangers Fans Still Remember Windass
Eight years may have passed since Josh Windass left Rangers, but many supporters still recall his contributions fondly.
The attacker joined Rangers during a turbulent period in the club’s history.
Expectations were high and pressure was intense.
Despite those challenges, Windass managed to establish himself as one of the team’s most exciting attacking players.
His pace, energy and willingness to take risks made him a popular figure among supporters.
At his best, he possessed the ability to change matches through moments of creativity and individual brilliance.
Perhaps his most memorable campaign came during the 2017/18 season.
That year, Windass produced arguably the finest football of his Rangers career.
Operating across various attacking positions, he scored 18 goals in all competitions while contributing numerous assists and influential performances.
Those numbers were particularly impressive considering the instability surrounding the club at the time.
Supporters appreciated his effort and commitment.
Even during difficult moments, Windass rarely hid.
He continued working hard and attempting to make things happen.
That attitude helped strengthen his connection with the fanbase.
## Why He Left Rangers
Despite enjoying success on the pitch, Windass ultimately chose to leave Rangers in the summer of 2018.
The decision surprised many supporters.
At the time, he was entering the prime years of his career and appeared capable of playing a significant role in the club’s future.
However, the player later explained that he did not always feel fully valued during his time at Ibrox.
Seeking a fresh challenge, he opted to move south of the border and join Wigan Athletic in the English Championship.
The transfer marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Leaving Rangers was not an easy decision.
Yet Windass believed it represented the best move for his career.
Looking back, it is clear that the experience helped shape him into the player he is today.
## Mixed Fortunes at Wigan Athletic
Windass arrived at Wigan Athletic hoping to establish himself as one of the Championship’s standout performers.
However, his time with the Latics proved more challenging than anticipated.
Although he produced flashes of quality, consistency proved difficult to achieve.
The competitive nature of the Championship often leaves little margin for error.
Managers change.
Systems evolve.
Players face constant pressure to perform.
Windass found himself battling for regular opportunities and struggled to replicate the form he had displayed at Rangers.
Eventually, a new opportunity emerged.
## Rebuilding His Career at Sheffield Wednesday
In January 2020, Windass joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan.
The move would prove to be a turning point.
From the moment he arrived at Hillsborough, he appeared more settled and confident.
His performances improved noticeably.
Supporters quickly embraced him.
The club subsequently made the move permanent, and Windass became an important player for the Owls.
Although Sheffield Wednesday endured difficult periods, including relegation from the Championship, Windass remained one of their most influential performers.
He consistently contributed goals and assists while demonstrating leadership qualities on and off the pitch.
His commitment during challenging times earned widespread respect among supporters.
Perhaps most importantly, he played a crucial role in helping Wednesday secure promotion back to the Championship.
Those achievements helped restore his reputation as one of the most effective attacking players outside the Premier League.
## Championship Success and Career-Best Form
The 2024/25 season represented another significant milestone.
Windass enjoyed the most productive goalscoring campaign of his career, registering 13 Championship goals.
His performances attracted attention from clubs across England.
He appeared stronger, more experienced and more complete as a player.
Years of competing in one of Europe’s toughest leagues had refined his game.
He was no longer simply a talented attacker.
He had become a proven performer capable of influencing matches consistently.
Unfortunately for Sheffield Wednesday, financial difficulties created uncertainty regarding the club’s future.
As a result, Windass departed and began searching for a new challenge.
## Wrexham Comes Calling
Few clubs have attracted as much attention in recent years as Wrexham.
Backed by ambitious ownership and supported by a passionate fanbase, the Welsh club has enjoyed a remarkable rise through the English football pyramid.
The opportunity to join such a project appealed to Windass.
The move offered stability, ambition and the chance to compete in a growing football environment.
His impact was immediate.
Windass became one of Wrexham’s most important attacking players.
Throughout the season he consistently delivered goals and match-winning performances.
By the end of the campaign he had scored 17 goals in all competitions.
Those contributions helped Wrexham challenge for promotion and further enhanced his reputation.
Although the club narrowly missed out on achieving their ultimate objective, Windass emerged as one of the standout performers.
## What Could He Offer Rangers Today?
The most important question facing supporters is whether Windass would improve the current Rangers squad.
The answer is complicated but fascinating.
At 32 years old, he brings experience that was absent during his first spell.
He understands pressure.
He understands expectations.
Most importantly, he understands Rangers.
Unlike many transfer targets, Windass would not require time to learn about the demands associated with playing at Ibrox.
He has lived that experience already.
His versatility is another significant advantage.
Throughout his career he has operated as a striker, attacking midfielder, winger and supporting forward.
That flexibility would provide McInnes with valuable tactical options.
In modern football, players capable of performing multiple roles are increasingly valuable.
Windass certainly fits that description.
## The Emotional Appeal of a Return
Football transfers are not always driven purely by statistics or tactical considerations.
Sometimes emotion plays a role.
Supporters often enjoy seeing former favourites return.
Players frequently relish the opportunity to revisit unfinished business.
A potential Windass return would certainly fall into that category.
His departure in 2018 felt abrupt.
Many supporters believed there was more to come.
Now, eight years later, circumstances have changed.
Windass has matured significantly.
Rangers are entering a new era.
The timing may finally be right.
Whether that possibility becomes reality remains uncertain.
However, the story has already captured the imagination of supporters.
## McInnes Faces Important Decisions
As Rangers continue planning for the season ahead, Derek McInnes faces numerous decisions regarding recruitment.
Every signing must address a specific need.
Every addition must strengthen the squad.
Windass presents an interesting case.
He would not arrive as a long-term development project.
Instead, he would bring immediate experience and proven quality.
The manager must determine whether those attributes align with his vision for the future.
If they do, discussions could develop quickly.
If not, Rangers may pursue alternative targets.
Either way, the speculation highlights the excitement surrounding the club’s summer plans.
## A Story Worth Watching
For now, Josh Windass remains a Wrexham player.
No official bid has been confirmed.
No agreement has been reached.
Yet Simon Jordan’s comments have undoubtedly introduced an intriguing storyline into Rangers’ summer transfer plans.
Supporters will continue monitoring developments closely.
The prospect of a former fan favourite returning to Ibrox is always likely to generate interest.
And with Derek McInnes determined to build a squad capable of challenging for trophies, nothing can be ruled out.
Whether Windass ultimately returns or not, his name is once again being discussed around Ibrox.
For many Rangers supporters, that alone is enough to spark memories of exciting moments from the past—and perhaps dreams of more to come in the future.
