The January transfer window has slammed shut, bringing with it a flurry of activity for football clubs across Europe. For Rangers, the window brought in some new faces while bidding farewell to others, prompting the need for adjustments to their Europa League squad. In this article post, we’ll delve into the comings and goings at Ibrox, analysing the impact on the team as they gear up for the next phase of the Europa League.
New Arrivals and Loan Moves
Rangers made significant moves in the transfer market, securing the services of Fabio Silva, Mohamed Diomande, and Oscar Cortes. The trio joins the ranks at Ibrox with expectations of contributing to the team’s success. However, not all news was about incoming players, as Sam Lammers departed for a loan spell with FC Utrecht until the end of the season. Additionally, Jose Cifuentes appears poised for a move to South America in the coming days, leaving a void in the midfield.
Adjusting the Rangers Europa League Squad
With the January transfer window closed, Rangers must now fine-tune their Europa League squad for the upcoming fixtures. Having topped Group C, the team is set to face the round of 16 in March, and Europa League rules permit three adjustments to the current squad.
Current Rangers Europa League Squad
Goalkeepers: Butland, McCrorie, Wright
Defenders: Tavernier, Souttar, Goldson, Sterling, Davies, Barisic
Midfielders: Lundstram, Jack, Cifuentes, Raskin
Forwards: Dessers, Lawrence, Cantwell, Lammers, Sima, Wright, Roofe, McCausland, Danilo
With the departures of Lammers and Cifuentes, changes are imminent. Adding to the complexity of squad selection, injuries have sidelined key players such as Davies, Sima, Roofe, and Danilo, making them unavailable for the remainder of the Europa League season. This shortage of attacking options necessitates strategic adjustments to ensure a competitive lineup in the knockout stages.
Predicted Rangers Europa League Squad
Ridvan Yilmaz and Leon Balogun, though not initially part of the Europa League squad, have established themselves as first-team regulars. Yilmaz’s impressive performances at left-back may see him included in the European lineup, potentially displacing Borna Barisic, though we expect Davies to be dropped to allow Yilmaz into the squad.
In the forward department, the absence of key players has prompted speculation about the inclusion of Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes. This move, while providing depth, raises questions about the exclusion of Mohamed Diomande, who might miss out on a spot in the European squad.
With Cifuentes on the verge of departure, Rangers face a shortage of recognised midfielders. However, recent performances by Sterling, who has stepped up to provide cover, could sway the decision in his favor. Given that Sterling is already part of the European squad, he seems a likely choice to fill the impending midfield void.
Goalkeepers: Butland, McCrorie, Wright
Defenders: Tavernier, Souttar, Goldson, Sterling, Yilmaz, Barisic
Midfielders: Lundstram, Jack, Raskin
Forwards: Dessers, Lawrence, Cantwell, Sima, Wright, Roofe, McCausland, Danilo, Silva, Cortes
This may look like Rangers have too many forward players and not enough in Midfield. However, keep in mind that Sima, Roofe and Danilo are all unlikely to feature due to injury. With the fitness of Lawrence also in question.
Details of the actual Rangers Europa League squad will likely be officially announced during the course of today.