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Ben Banks

Ross Wilson and the 12 Rangers transfer fees that define sporting director's era as spending record laid out

His tenure has brought silverware to Ibrox but it could be time for Ross Wilson to depart Rangers for a return to England.

It's understood that English Premier League side Nottingham Forest have lined up the Ibrox sporting director for a similar role, and The Athletic say they are confident of getting a deal done. The former Southampton and Watford man has been met with fan criticism in recent weeks but winter signings of Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell have so far proven a hit for those in blue.

He first joined the club in the autumn of 2019, so the final pre-pandemic transfer window was the maiden voyage into player trading at Rangers for the 39-year-old. He's since been at the club for Premiership and Scottish Cup glory as well as the run to the Europa League final, working alongside three managers in Steven Gerrard, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Michael Beale. There's been big numbers put up in the sales of Calvin Bassey and Nathan Patterson but who have been his most expensive purchases during his time in the Premiership and how have they fared? Record Sport has taken a closer look.

In total, there are 12 known transfer fees and payment structures Wilson has put down for Rangers recruits. The most costly of which is Ridvan Yilmaz, who arrived last summer from Besiktas.

His deal including bonuses could reach in the ballpark of £5.3m after an initial £.3.39m outlay. Then there's the deal to sign Kemar Roofe from Anderlecht, with that 2020 deal costing Rangers £4.5m according to Belgian media.

Next up on the expensive list is Ben Davies, who also joined in summer 2022, for a £3m upfront fee and a deal that could reach £4m. That £3m is what Wilson also had to spend to make Ianis Hagi's loan from Genk permanent in 2020 following an initial loan.

Cedric Itten left Rangers last summer after a disappointing spell for Young Boys, but it was a seven-figure deal which brought him to Glasgow. Also arriving in 2020, St Gallen put a £2.7m price on his head.

Switching focus back to this summer and Rabbi Matondo also cleared the coffers of more than £2m. His arrival from Schalke was for a fee in the region of £2.5m.

There is some dubiety over how much Juninho Bacuna cost Rangers for his just over six months in Glasgow. But selling club Huddersfield claimed they 'at least' made back the £2m they paid Groningen for his services in 2018 - suggesting some cash fronted up by the Ibrox club.

Antonio Colak has netted 17 times since his arrival from PAOK this season, and some may feel it's worth the £2m they have agreed to put up. Feelings may be similar on Todd Cantwell, who has impressed since a reported £1.5m move in January although still has plenty to prove in Light Blue.

Coming in at under seven figure at £881k for now, Nicolas Raskin may also be viewed as a bargain buy in years ahead, although there are up to £705k in bonuses to potentially come. The same might not be said for Mateuz Zukowski at £400k while Scott Wright's goal in the Scottish Cup final last season makes the £200k compensation fee given to Aberdeen worth its weight.

Rangers 12 transfer fees under Ross Wilson

Ridvan Yilmaz - £5.3m including add-ons

Kemar Roofe - £4.5m

Ben Davies - £4m including add-ons

Ianis Hagi - £3m

Cedric Itten - £2.7m

Rabbi Matondo - £2.5m

Juninho Bacuna - Up to £2m

Antonio Colak - £2m

Todd Cantwell - £1.5m

Nicolas Raskin - £1.5m approx including add-ons

Mateuz Zukowski - £400k

Scott Wright - £200k

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