Rangers wrapped up their summer transfer window with the additions of strikers Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski, but their frontline could have looked very different.
Following the exits of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane, Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell opted to invest heavily in Chermiti and Miovski. However, questions have been raised about whether Chermiti, in particular, justified his transfer fee given his limited top-level experience.
One alternative Rangers could have pursued was Lawrence Shankland, a proven scorer who was once again linked with a move to Ibrox amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future at Hearts. Ultimately, Shankland remained in Edinburgh and is now focused on getting the better of Russell Martin’s side when they meet on the pitch.
Shankland Eyes Victory Over Rangers — Club He Once Nearly Joined
As Rangers prepare to face Hearts in a crucial match this Saturday, all eyes will be on Lawrence Shankland a striker who has repeatedly been linked with a move to Ibrox in the past. At one point, both Rangers and West Brom were reportedly considering him on a free transfer before he ultimately chose to extend his contract with Hearts.
Ahead of the matchup, Shankland spoke to The Scotsman, expressing his determination to help Hearts secure a win against the struggling Rangers side, who remain winless in the league this season.
“We want to go there and win, and that’s what we’ll try to do on the day,” he said confidently. Emphasizing the team’s strong mentality and positive start to the season, Shankland added that the squad is relishing the pressure and looking forward to the challenge at Ibrox.
With eight goals and eight assists from 32 appearances last season, Shankland remains a key figure for Hearts and he’s ready to prove that staying in Edinburgh was the right call by delivering a big performance against the club that once courted him.
Rangers let the opportunity to sign Lawrence Shankland slip away
Rangers had the chance to secure Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland on a free transfer this summer a move that would have brought in a proven, physically dominant striker without spending a penny.
Instead, the club opted to invest £8 million in 21-year-old Youssef Chermiti, a largely untested forward whose ability to adapt to Scottish football remains uncertain following his move from Everton.
That decision could prove costly for manager Russell Martin, especially if Shankland who was passed over despite his experience delivers a decisive blow when Hearts visit Ibrox. Should he score a winner, it might not only haunt Rangers’ recruitment choices but also further jeopardize Martin’s future at the helm.
