14 Jul 2025 20:48:21
So it appears we have created a bit of a situation with the handling of our defensive recruitment.
Despite the mantra being we only want players who want to be here, we have brought in 2 high profile loans with no option to buy.
As a result of the Aaron's deal, I understand that both Mullins and Kasa rejected moves.
I also understand that Mackenzie has rejected an offer as he wants to leave Scottish football.
Additionally Fernandes rejected a new loan to buy deal as he wasn't happy with how he was treated last season.
We also lost out on our main LCB target.
Throw in that Souttar and Yilmaz are unhappy following discussions and Davies and Proper are growing frustrated as their moves are being held up due to the uncertainty.
Quite a pickle.
14 Jul 2025 21:22:10
Defensive rubbishshow if majority of them are still on the books come end of the window.
14 Jul 2025 21:22:11
Yep!, well run professional management we were told,
God help us, as the defence imo, is not half as strong as last year and we know how that went.
I'm sure a similar story could be said about the forward line?
Are they going, are they staying, who wants to come, who knocked us back
HELP!
14 Jul 2025 21:22:14
To be honest, I'm finding it hard to believe that the current regime are paying a lot of attention to the players Koppen may have previously earmarked.
Can't criticise the current lot for agreeing straight loans, but not do the same regarding kasa and fernandes. I think Aaron's will be a significant upgrade on what Mulligan would have been.
We need a lot of new players, so many so we couldn't do it all in one season, so I can understand done loans being in there. And while it's frustrating, were still very early in the window for most clubs and I really don't Rangers are stressing in the way of proper or Davies.
14 Jul 2025 21:23:20
Also looking like Proper is holding out for a compensation payment in order for him to complete his move back to Twente. Quite a pickle indeed.
14 Jul 2025 21:24:20
Hernandez didn't deserbe a deal and tbh mckenzie wasn't good enough as for kasa he should've been signed but if he won't fight for his place that's his lookout. Yilmaz needs to go and soutter if he won't sign a deal needs moved on that's football and the cb who. moved elsewhere that's life and will happen again.
14 Jul 2025 21:25:12
Ehl i thought proper was held up because he wants a payoff?
14 Jul 2025 21:27:09
Thanks EHL ?.
14 Jul 2025 21:27:18
Is the LCB Coady? EHL Its not an ideal situation to be in, but we move on.
14 Jul 2025 21:28:01
Fernandes being that boy who was here last season and never played a minute? Not sure that's too much of a loss.
Would liked to have seen kasa come in though.
And would like all 4 defenders mentioned to leave ASAP. Let's hope this gets sorted soon.
14 Jul 2025 21:28:12
Quicker it's sorted out the better as by sound it lot of unhappy people still at club which can't be great going forward
arrons hopefully starts season well and nails down the rb slot i don't want him getting put to lb an it turns into a disaster.
14 Jul 2025 21:29:13
EHL I said a couple of days ago. The defence situation is starting to look very very poor!
It's honestly quite staggering how careless we are.
Looking from the outside in, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing!
Tav is now essential as is Butland! And for some that is ridiculous. For me not so much a problem but bringing in defenders who have no clue about Scottish football or each other, whilst knowing about Souttar contract situation as well as all the points you highlight is bewildering!
Whilst I am desperate to be positive around the changes I am perplexed by our decision making and the order of our decision making. As you point out it's all over the place!
This is why, for me, the 9ers are not looking at Europe this season and expecting anything of note. because if they are then they are far from the messiahs here to save the day!
14 Jul 2025 21:32:15
If your on about mckenzienfrom aberdeen he's rotten anyway can barely get in there side.
Fernandez didn't look anything special when here so no great loss.
Kasa i would have liked back. And hopefully get aarons signed come end of the season.
14 Jul 2025 21:33:49
Long depressing season ahead again imo i tried being positive but its time to be realistic. Our recruitment bar a couple of the players screams if there decent in england they will smash it in scotland which we all know isn't how it works. Couple that with the manager being an english version of phil its hardly a surprise we miss out on targets. The things we used to be able to offer that got us players were trophies and CL we now can't really offer either and to me its clear even the players we target know this.
14 Jul 2025 21:34:53
No real loss with any of them tbf.
14 Jul 2025 21:35:10
Souttar hasn't had discussions.
14 Jul 2025 21:37:24
Gd insight as to the machinations of the workings of the transfer difficulties??.
14 Jul 2025 21:43:37
Thanks EHL for insight
Jees sounds like we're making a tricky
Situ more complicated than it needed to be ….
14 Jul 2025 21:44:19
Aye Mullins turned down a move because Aaarons signed.
14 Jul 2025 21:49:19
Thanks EHL! I thought Kasa was loan to buy with obligation, obviously not.
Even though I'm supportive of Aaron's, I would have liked Kasa back as a permanent signing rather than take another loan.
If you are able to say now that it's done, who was the first choice LCB we missed out on?
14 Jul 2025 21:51:22
The new team pulled plug on mckenzie mulligan and kasa, they wanted better imo the have achieved that so far.
14 Jul 2025 21:51:56
A pickle right enough. Thanks for info EHL. Disheartened by this situation. No lessons seemed to be learned.
14 Jul 2025 21:52:09
Mulligan and Kasa I would have liked us to sign.
Mackenzie signed for Plymouth which says a lot about his mentality if it was us or them.
Fernandes we didn't see enough of to warrant signing him.
I'd honestly let Davies, Propper and Yilmaz go if deals are waiting to be finalised. They won't contribute, Fraser can replace Yilmaz for now, the others we can replace later.
Souttar i'd personally try and keep if there was appetite to sign a new deal.
14 Jul 2025 21:53:05
Sadly I would have to agree Muscatin.
14 Jul 2025 21:59:33
Gdog how can we expect to sign any quality of player if we can't play a decent standard of European football . The monetary loss alone would be devastating for us.
14 Jul 2025 22:01:38
Don't usually question your input EHL but on this I'm going to have to call Bull. Holliday was quite strong in his wording of our dealings with the lad from Dundee and that he wasn't offered anything by us and didn't turn anything down.
Don't claim to be ITK at all but I'm sure Halliday is better connected than any on here.
Don't see Fernandes as being a great loss either and who was the main target? Put this into unverifiable for me.
14 Jul 2025 22:03:37
I can't believe Tav is being kept again tbh with you. i'd have rather kasa than aarons and tav. The defence imo is weaker than last year currently and we are going down the cheap route and the loan route again when it should have been the main focus given our struggles. Still time i guess but we will see.
14 Jul 2025 22:19:43
There is 7 weeks left of a transfer window we are clearly going in to the games with all our cbs and 2 new ones so at the moment we're alit stronger than we were an jefte is seemingly a stand out in training. I am worried but it's better than it was but if big john davies and propper want out we need 2 starters brought in its more or less. New team it's going to take a while to settle.
14 Jul 2025 22:19:47
EHL - I'm thinking Norwich snagged another one of our CB targets (like they did with Cordoba last year) . Just a guess.
14 Jul 2025 22:25:44
Call me naive, but i was half-expecting a marquee signing of some sort. Maybe not the gung-ho style of recent years, but someone of note at least. I'm not lambasting the signings we HAVE made, as I really don't know enough about them yet. I'm just wondering if Champions League qualification might have some bearing on it?
14 Jul 2025 22:26:01
Rangers made no attempt to sign Mulligan.
Rafael Fernandes wasn't offered to return next season either.
Someone's making stuff up.
14 Jul 2025 22:26:22
Don't see why soutter is unhappy he's in his last year he would get a decent club as a free agent Scottish international.
14 Jul 2025 22:30:19
Personally I don't think any CB from last season is good enough for us but going into the season in a weeks time potentially only Fernandez as a CB we own is a scary thought.
14 Jul 2025 22:31:08
EHL imo all accept yilmaz and John are not good enough for rangers.
14 Jul 2025 22:36:59
Sorry, said Souttar and Yilmaz, meant Souttar and Nsiala.
14 Jul 2025 22:39:06
We are taking Halliday word on this? Bs what part of the new owners does he know? What amount of bull some come out with ?♂️ well connected to players that is all not the boardroom ?♂️
Arrows is only an upgrade on any player if he gets back to his Norwich days if he is like last season then he isn't an upgrade on anyone.
I am waiting till window closes before having a say on transfers dealings but I will say am not excited for new season at the moment.
14 Jul 2025 22:39:13
We are taking Halliday word on this? Bs what part of the new owners does he know? What amount of bull some come out with ?♂️ well connected to players that is all not the boardroom ?♂️
Arrows is only an upgrade on any player if he gets back to his Norwich days if he is like last season then he isn't an upgrade on anyone.
I am waiting till window closes before having a say on transfers dealings but I will say am not excited for new season at the moment.
14 Jul 2025 22:41:20
Two friendlies and the seasons not looking good, not even seen a starting eleven on the park yet and some have the season over, not many confident of next week which is fair enough but season over REALLY, some good info from EHL and some panicking big time, was never going to be straight forward.
14 Jul 2025 22:46:34
If anything it is the timings which are askew here and not much else. we have 2 new defenders on last year one who has played in the EPL and the other has 14 games at Champions league level. that makes us stronger.
most fans want rid of Yilmaz, Propper and Davies anyway but they aren't being moved on until after the qualifiers anyway. EHL you said that last week in that after the qualifiers there would be a lot of movement out (5 or 6 I think) .
Souttar needs to be sold if he won't sign another contract and he will want first team football in the lead up to a WC.
McKenzie and Fernandes weren't good enough according to all (Mck as squad and F as development) .
so we lost (possilbly) Kasa and Mulligan but other rumours are that the club didn't want them as they wanted better. we didn't need both anyway.
The two loans do want to be here otherwise they won't have come. the difference is it might not be long-term but given that our full budget was supposedly £8M with £4M committed to Cortes we can't make all the permanent changes in one window (yes we may have more money but FSR prevents us from using it)
if people expected everything to run smoothly then I have a bag of magic beans which I am prepared to sell them. however we still have until 1 September to sort a lot of this out. give it time.
14 Jul 2025 22:57:27
Oh no, we didn't get an injury prone right back, a back up at best right back, a poor centre half and terrible left back. how will we cope.
14 Jul 2025 23:05:04
Omg - I thought I was negative …. These posts are embarrassing- signed 6/ 7 players but suddenly we're worse off than last season -
Only posted on this forum a few times but I have already realised a lot of you lot are the sort of Rangers fans that leave after 70 minutes and boo the team off the pitch more times than not
A poster above is already resigned " to a long hard boring season " - we haven't even played our 2nd friendly yet - honestly wild negativity with supporters like that who needs enemies! And I can assure you I'm anything but over positive
Ehl guy - who everyone asks fr titbits - can you answer how having recruited two big solid looking cbs one of which is loaned from an epl club - and the fact our current squad has more defensive options than last year as it stands is a bad thing?
Why are we pining over the fernandes guy who came on a bizzare loan and did nothing?
And finally why would we want kasa after his knees already Swiss cheese ?? With our well documented injury riddled purchases?
Cheer up everyone ake.
14 Jul 2025 23:07:02
EHL is the gent that says he works for the Club in a capacity close to the players, is that right?
I'm prepared to be shot down over this, but I question this. You are talking about players becoming frustrated, people rejecting deals, questioning the transfer policy of the Club, bringing the treatment of players into question. I just don't see how you can openly say you work for the Club, but then claim this kind of insight? It's very strange.
14 Jul 2025 23:49:56
Kwg. enjoy the rumours and insight inty the club ehl gives . or scroll on bye . majority enjoy the guys posts. f. f. s.
15 Jul 2025 00:08:10
It's not a pickle, we have significantly upgraded our defence. If souttar goes (I hope he does) then we bring in a replacement but as it stands a back four of
Aarons Djiga Fernandes Jefte is more than fine.
15 Jul 2025 02:04:28
Have to say I usually enjoy your posts and insight EHL. I'm not sure what to think as I find this post to be out of character and a little negative about how the club is doing its business.
Not what I expected from a member of staff so close to the players.
15 Jul 2025 04:45:31
The 2 centrebacks we have signed so far are both improvements on our current CBs.
Djigas value has shot up considerably since his 3 cups at Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade, hence the loan, he is not for sale unless you wnant to fork out around 15 mill, he is easily the Best CB we have ta the club right now, with almost 20 games in the Champions league with R. S. B including the qualifiers.
Fernandez was also good business as that lads on the rise too.
2 big units that have excellent passing, pace, ball recovery, and defensive skills, both tall, both scorers from header at set pieces, and both capable of defending against set pieces, if they gel as a defensive pairing.
Would have been nice to have both Kasanwirjo and Fernandes, 2 more quality CBs, one who has won plenty in the dutch league and the other a longterm product of Sporting CPs world class academy prior to joining Lille, the only reason he ain't getting a game there is they have 2 established first choice Cbs in the 25-30 mill value range.
we barely saw Fernandes because Ferguson barely used him, and he only got 30 minutes all up playing time as a sub in 3 appearances, as did clement, and did he not get injured.
15 Jul 2025 06:22:00
Angus/ Kiss The Badge - two excellent posts which pretty much nail it.
EHL, please keep posting. Ignore the noise.
15 Jul 2025 06:40:07
Ibrox4Me - I kinda enjoy the noise, gives me a good laugh.
Actual purpose of the post was to try and explain the situation in terms of the defense as there were a lot of posters raising concerns around it.
It is a pickle, no matter how you frame it and the loan deals have caused some friction - which again, if handled correctly, may not be a bad thing.
15 Jul 2025 06:41:24
Some seem to be on a witchunt for all the respected posters Ibrox.
15 Jul 2025 07:06:44
Fork it also now seems that some are allowed to be concerned but others arent. every day just about people are on here just to dig at others while contributing nothing else.
With that an people constantly going after the respected guys its no wonder this places loses posters these days. Far to many people have got comfortable being internet warriors.
15 Jul 2025 07:06:56
I knew the positivity could only last so long on here. Well said Angus, Kiss the Badge. EHL only saying state of affairs rather than criticising as far as I can tell. Weaker than last season. gie me peace.
15 Jul 2025 07:17:31
We read on here constantly that tav should be away and this that and the next thing about our captain ?Ask yourselves this then, why is it every manager rates tav and has never taken the captaincy off him ?The answer is easy and smacks you right between the eyes, because they all rate the guy and because in his tenure he's played with a lot of mediocre players at rangers, he's continually blamed for a helluva lot of it, which imo is absolutely b******t! If tav was playing in one of the better teams of yesterday, he'd be lauded from the rafters with his outstanding numbers and superb fitness levels ?So to the doubters, can you not even contemplate that guys, look at the full picture ?.
15 Jul 2025 07:26:22
Cool EHL,
I 100% enjoy your posts so please keep posting, (wow that was a mouthful),
I thought you had been a bit more guarded recently so was surprised at the openness.
Do you think the club are holding back Propers move away?
I was lead to believe the deal was being held up as Proper himself was holding back for more money from the club.
15 Jul 2025 07:28:44
EHL, I hear you. I've largely stopped posting stuff now as there are so many just shooting down because they don't agree or understand. You know your stuff and posts are bang on the money. I don't check in as much as I used to but one thing is clear, Ibrox will be half empty from next Tuesday if the supporter base mood is as represented on this page. ?
I'm very optimistic about the season ahead and don't fear the Pana tie other than the heat in Athens. I'll be at both and other than missing Motherwell away, for the rest of the journey ahead. Very early days for the new regime, but I'm getting behind them. Probably makes me a happy clapper ?.
15 Jul 2025 07:41:38
Agreed Muscatin??.
15 Jul 2025 08:03:10
Ibrox4me start posting again as you post good info and it would be good to have another happy clapper on here.
CO2 I read it that the club weren't willing to sanction it just yet and that might be due to European tie and being short of cover. EHL said recently about players leaving after the ties.
15 Jul 2025 08:15:50
Well said John, let's stay positive and support the team. Some fantastic looking additions so far and a huge turnaround takes time.
15 Jul 2025 08:32:41
Terrific post Ibrox4Me and totally agree with you mate ???.
15 Jul 2025 09:29:47
Im not itk or have contacts but I've enjoyed the rumours, discussions and questions on here its why i joined but i must admit recent months has seen some real uneccessary comments, putting folk down.
Admittedly I've noticed a lot of posts from "new or newer" profiles that seem intent on throwing a cat amongst the pigeons but i for one enjoy reading all the posts, info and rumours esp from the diehards on here and i'd bet i'm not the only one so keep it coming guys.
15 Jul 2025 10:02:19
Coops what have all those managers got in coming that keep picking Tav as captain an playing him bar SG (he snuck out the back door) they all got sacked So look at the bigger picture ?.
15 Jul 2025 10:02:53
Thanks Angus, Maybe that's the case.
It was always going to take time with such a large turnaround in players.
I hope people have patience and give RM the time required to do all that's required.
Yes, we all would like to qualify for the upcoming Champions League but that might be a step to far at this stage.
Hopefully we do qualify for Champions League, but if not at least get Europa, improvement in the league and a right go at winning the Premiership most probably more realistic this season.
15 Jul 2025 10:04:32
Ehl - pickle ? or not
If there is any player that doesn't want to be part of the squad going forward they should get on to there agent and get.
Yilmaz has been stealing a wage for 3-4 years now, he should be delighted.
There are plenty of players who are desperate to pull on the jersey would rather see a youth player get a shot if these guys are genuinely moaning!
In geveral people need to be more positive on here! Bring it on.
15 Jul 2025 10:36:07
Agree CO2 but if you are looking for patience from the fan base you might be disappointed. More chance Shankland signing for us ?
I would like to be at highest level in Europe but there is a part of me that thinks the Europa is more our level atm and if we qualified for CL and get beaten regularly it might affect the performances in the league and that is our main focus this year (and every year I know) well I hope it is.
15 Jul 2025 11:36:17
Mullins had no intention of signing for us and although I would liked to have kept Kasanwirjo he's just had a big injury so he would have been a risk . Even if both were wanted, if they didn't want to fight for their place they are no great loss . They both play a few positions not just right back so there would have been chances.
Fernandes did nothing to earn a deal and in fact got injured when he got the chance, no great loss again. Souttar has been rumoured on here to be looking to go and Yilmaz can go any time he wants . I do feel sympathy for Nsiala and do think Davies and Propper should be gone by now but we have appointed a new manager and whether you like him or not, the squad needed stirring up and he's doing that . If some of them don't like it then tough, apart from one or two none of them will be missed.
15 Jul 2025 11:51:10
Storm, you saying they all got sacked because of James Tavernier? now that would be something different.
15 Jul 2025 12:02:32
Mulligan was desperate for the Rangers move, his agent was the one putting out the stories of our interest.
The club had no interest beyond Fergie and Dodds recommending him. The new owners and execs wanted better.
15 Jul 2025 12:33:19
Halliday knows nothing about Lennon Miller never mind Rangers.
15 Jul 2025 13:03:44
Picking first choice rb got them all the sack lol.
15 Jul 2025 14:14:42
I'd have Kasa over Aarons any day. Would like to see Owen Beck come in but seems to have gone quiet. Martin has wielded the axe well so far imo and being open and honest, however hard it is for some to hear, is the best way forward. They need to move on!
15 Jul 2025 14:24:32
Who was our main LCB target? Was it someone that's been mentioned or was it a player we haven't heard about?
Personally would have signed Kasa over Aarons.
15 Jul 2025 14:23:49
In terms of forward planning as far as CB's are concerned as it stands your highlighting that only Manny Fernandez is guaranteed to reamain at Rangers at end of season. That could indeed be described as a bit of a pickle EHL. Hopefully more outgoings and incomings will rectify that scenario.