The transfer window only officially opened on June 14th and Rangers have already confirmed four signings. Michael Beale claimed he would be very proactive in the transfer market and he’s been true to his word. The manager spoke about going and speaking to multiple players and after the signing of Sam Lammers, we found out he’s been doing that since April. Let’s take a look at Rangers transfer window so far and what the players had to say about their arrival.
Kieran Dowell
The announcement of this signing already feels like a life time ago. It was announced that Dowell had signed a pre-contract with Rangers on May 24th and that he would join up with the team on July 1st. The first of the three free signings and an exciting one at that.
The 25-year-old comes from Norwich having had spells in the EPL and English Championship. His season at Norwich was cut short due to injury but he still managed eight goal contributions in twenty-three appearances, while only averaging 49mins per game. He’s an exciting attacking midfielder who carries the ball well and is excellent at making space for himself and others. He’s technically great with a wonderful left foot and loves to shoot from distance. Also, he’s another left footed option for free kicks, should Barisic not be on the pitch.
Having come through the Everton academy, big things were expected of Dowell but he hasn’t managed to reach those heights, yet. A player who will be able to provide creativity and guile who is in a similar situation to Todd Cantwell’s before he came to Ibrox. A fresh start is needed for the Englishmen and hopefully he thrives at Rangers.
He had this to say on joining the club;
I am buzzing, obviously I am really glad to get it done early and towards the end of the season, I spoke with the manager a few months before the season ended, I am so glad to get it done so early.
Obviously it is the first time I have sort of been out of contract anywhere, letting my contract run down at Norwich City, you want to be sorted to go back into pre-season and just have a proper pre-season with the lads and get to know everyone before the season starts.
Kieran Dowell via Rangers official website
Read more on Kieran Dowell here.
Dujon Sterling
Six days after the Kieran Dowell signing, Rangers announced another player on a pre-contract in Dujon Sterling. The 23-year-old will also join up with the team come July 1st as another free transfer. The manager knew him from his time at Chelsea and very keen to get him in the door.
As versatile as a defender can be, he can player in every defensive area, including wing back and is comfortable with both feet. Most of his experience is at Championship level but he’s been very highly thought of at every club he’s been at. Physically he’s a monster, tall, strong and very quick with and without the ball.
It will be interesting to see where Michael Beale sees his preferred position next season. Sterling himself claims he always makes sure his duties are done defensively before going on the attack. This is surprising and unusual for modern day fullbacks.
He had this to say on joining the club;
I am really excited to come to such a big club, there’s a lot of history and the supporters are so passionate, so I am thrilled.
I wasn’t expecting to make my mind up about my future this quickly, but the Gaffer came in for me straight away and what he proposed to me was everything that I believe I need.
Dujon Sterling via Rangers official website
Read more on Dujon Sterling here.
Jack Butland
The third and final, so far, pre-contract signing! Definitely the most high profile name of the three. The 30-year-old will join up with the team on July 1st, the same as Dowell and Sterling. Butland comes in with a wealth of EPL and Championship experience alongside nine caps for England and five Team GB Olympic appearances.
This deal, specifically on a free, is an absolute coup for Rangers. He turned down a reported 60k per week at boyhood club Manchester United to come and get first team football at Ibrox. He hasn’t played regularly in a couple of years but he seems hungry and eager to get his career back on track.
Having signed a four year deal, if he gets back to the level he’s capable of, Rangers are set for the goalkeeper position for at least the length of his deal.
He had this to say on joining the club;
I’m over the moon. The club speaks for itself. No matter where you are in football, you know about Rangers Football Club. This is a huge opportunity for me, and I’m delighted to be here.
I feel great and motivated at the age that I am, and I feel excited at what the future holds. Doing that at a club that is equally as passionate about winning and being at the top was huge for me.
It’s an important summer for the club and we need to get off to a good start. Getting the work done early is hugely important, so that we’re settled and raring to go when we come back in.
Jack Butland via Rangers official website
Read more on Jack Butland here.
Sam Lammers
The signing of the 26-year-old Dutch forward for £3.5m on a four year deal was announced on Thursday. I’ve written extensively about Lammers in recent weeks so won’t dive in too much here.
This is what he said upon joining the club;
I am really excited to join Rangers, my first impressions have all been good so I am even more excited for the season to start now.
I came in contact with the manager and he came over to see me in Italy, we had a good talk and he gave me a presentation about the club and about how I could fit in so ever since that moment I was excited for this project and to get here.
I already knew some things about Rangers, I know the history, I know it is a massive club in Scotland and also worldwide but it is always a good thing to have the personal side of it.
Sam Lammers via Rangers official website
Read more on Sam Lammers here.
Conclusion
Personally, I’m rather happy with Rangers transfer window so far. Only £3.5m spent and already four players through the door covering multiple areas of the pitch. There is still a lot of work to be done, but for a start, I’m pleased with this. The most encouraging thing is that Michael Beale said the business would be done quickly and he followed through on that.
Lammers is a risk at £3.5m but with his technical ability he could be a real asset for Rangers. At least a few more will come through the doors at Ibrox this summer and I’m excited to see who they are and what they can bring to the club.
Who would you like to see come in next?
Another 4 at least
I suspect at least 3 more and maybe 4 if we more on