The fact Rangers are advertising for a transfer specialist shows they want to be as best equipped as possible for next season.
Unless there is an almighty Celtic collapse then they will kick off the 2022/23 campaign as Scottish Premiership challengers rather than champions.
And in order to ensure that trophy is back at Ibrox then Giovanni van Bronckhorst, helped by sporting director Ross Wilson, will have to get his recruitment spot on.
It’s an area that has arguably made the difference this season with Ange Postecoglou bringing in players who have been vital to their success.
Steven Gerrard was clear last season when, after Champions League elimination, he said: “If we want to keep growing and going to the extra level, we need to spend big money in transfer windows.
“It’s as simple as that – to compete with the teams that we’re playing against, we have to spend big money. In the last two windows, we haven’t spent a penny.”
Gerrard left shortly after with his frustration in the transfer market a potential reason for his exit to Aston Villa.
Here Record Sport looks at every signing over the past two windows to assess their contribution.
Juninho Bacuna
Gerrard appeared excited about the arrival of the former Huddersfield playmaker at the start of last season.
“I’m sure he’ll come in and contribute really well and then and the fans should be really excited about this one,” said the former Ibrox boss.
“He can bring a lot of things. He’s a really big talent, a fantastic footballer at a fantastic age as well.”
But having arrived at the end of the summer transfer window, the Dutch-born playmaker departed in the next one as he joined Birmingham City after just 12 appearances for the Light Blues.
Verdict - Miss
Nnamdi Ofoborh
There are exceptional circumstances with this signing as highlighted by the fact the player himself said he’s “lucky to be here”.
That puts football into perspective after a heart issue was detected during a routine medical examination.
The 22-year-old signed a pre-contract at the same time as Jack Simpson but went on loan to Wycombe Wanderers so his arrival in Glasgow was delayed until last summer. But he hasn’t kicked a ball and his future unclear.
Verdict - Jury still out
Amad Diallo
Huge hype surrounded his arrival on loan from Manchester United, who paid £19million (in a deal potentially worth up to £37m) to sign him from Atalanta.
The teenager made an instant impact with a goal just five minutes into his debut away to Ross County but it wasn’t enough to prevent Rangers being held to a Dingwall draw.
That put pressure on the Ibrox side going into the Old Firm derby and Diallo looked lost at Parkhead. Since then he has failed to make any sort of real impression with speculation he could be set for an early Old Trafford return under new boss Erik ten Hag.
Verdict - Miss
Aaron Ramsey
Arrived on deadline day of the January transfer window and the loan signing of the Juventus man was seen as a major coup.
But the Welshman hasn’t done much to improve on a history of injury issues and his game time has been limited.
Ramsey has shown in flashes what he can offer but hasn’t been available enough to justify the move. It’s highly unlikely he will be around next season.
Verdict - Miss
John Lundstram
The former Sheffield United man has turned his Ibrox career around completely after a struggling start at Rangers.
Once rated at £10m, landing the Scouser on a Bosman from the Blades was a shrewd piece of business.
But a few fans probably felt he wasn’t even living up to the free transfer early on – especially after a red card in Europe against Alashkert.
Now, though, the supporters love Lundstram and his man of the match display against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi final win at Hampden was his best yet.
Verdict - Huge hit
James Sands
New York City poster boy help the men from the Big Apple win the MLS Cup for the first time in their history and there was excitement and intrigue around this January recruit.
A USA international who is versatile but found it tough on his debut away to Aberdeen as the champions were held to a draw at Pittodrie.
He has only made two further league starts with his appearances in all competitions coming mainly from the bench.
A useful squad player but has plenty to do to if his initial 18-month loan deal is to made permanent.
Verdict - Jury still out
Aaron Ramsey
Arrived on deadline day of the January transfer window and the loan signing of the Juventus man was seen as a major coup.
But the Welshman hasn’t done much to improve on a history of injury issues with his game time limited.
Ramsey has shown in flashes what he can offer but hasn’t been available enough to justify the move.
Verdict - Miss
Mateusz Zukowski
The Polish full back has only been spotted once for the top team and that was the Scottish Cup stroll against Annan.
It’s hard to know what he can offer on that one outing and fans will be wondering why they haven’t seen more of him, albeit he’s in competition with club captain and mainstay James Tavernier. Still, if the title is lost you’d expect him to feature in a dead rubber or two before the end of the season. If we don’t, then that tells you everything.
Verdict - Not enough evidence
Fashion Sakala
The Zambian’s biggest contribution came at the weekend if he is claiming that all-important Scottish Cup semi-final winner against Celtic at Hampden.
If it’s going down as a Carl Starfelt own goal then Sakala has netted 10 times in 42 appearances.
He is an impact player and with his pace can be a good weapon to have. Also, the fact he came on a Bosmanmade him a low-risk signing.
But the striker is undoubtedly raw and question marks remain over whether he has the quality to cut it at Ibrox long term. However, there is definitely something there.
Verdict - Room for improvement
