McInnes Teases Two More Rangers Signings Before Premiership Opener

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has revealed the club expects to finalise at least one new signing within the next 48 hours and is working to bring in a second player before Friday’s Scottish Premiership curtain-raiser away to Dundee United. Speaking after Sunday’s goalless pre-season friendly against West Ham United, McInnes outlined his priorities for the final days of the summer transfer window.

The Ibrox side have already added seven new players this summer, but McInnes admitted the squad remains “a bit short” in defence and lacks creative width. He identified a defender and a winger as the two key areas where he wants reinforcements.

“We are quite hopeful we’ve got one done at the minute and hopefully we’ll have some news on that in the next 48 hours and we’re also trying to maybe bring one more in if we can for Friday night,” McInnes told reporters.

Priorities: Defender and winger

McInnes stressed that the club still needs “difference makers” in attacking areas. He pointed to a lack of chances created against West Ham and said Rangers require wide players who can “isolate and go one v one” and operate on both flanks.

“It is just those difference makers. I think a club like ours needs to have those guys who can isolate and go one v one and can play off both sides. So we are looking for a bit more creativity that can serve the strikers,” he said.

The manager named his current forward options – Nadiri, Chermiti, Shankland and Miovski – and noted that only Chermiti is “capable of creating an opportunity for himself.” The others are “very much dependent on service.”

Defensively, McInnes said he feels “a bit short in terms of numbers” with four matches scheduled in a 12-day stretch. He added that Ross McCrorie had opened up his knee in the West Ham friendly and was not risked further, leaving only five senior defenders available for that game.

Nico Raskin’s future and midifeld depth

One notable absence from the opening weeks of the season will be Belgium midfielder Nico Raskin. He is expected back from a post-World Cup break this week, but McInnes confirmed he will not feature in the early fixtures.

Rangers have already brought in three defensive midfielders this summer in anticipation of Raskin’s departure. McInnes acknowledged there has been transfer interest in the 25-year-old.

“Not for the opening part of the season he won’t, but going forward, Nico might be subject to some interest, we are well aware of that. We always thought he could be a flight risk this summer on the back of the World Cup, so we’ve reinforced the midfield area. But obviously if nothing comes in for Nico then it’s another good player to add to it,” McInnes said.

Raskin had a strong World Cup with Belgium, which increased his market profile. Rangers appear prepared to sell if an acceptable offer arrives, having already lined up replacements.

Transfer details: permanent and loan

McInnes gave some clarity on the structure of the expected new arrivals. One deal is likely to be permanent, while the other could be a loan.

“One will be permanent, one might be a loan, but we would like two permanent,” he said, indicating a preference for long-term additions but pragmatism about immediate needs.

Rangers have not officially confirmed any pending transfers, but McInnes’s comments suggest the club is in advanced talks.

Outgoings also possible

Asked about potential departures beyond Raskin, McInnes acknowledged “a wee bit of interest in one or two without naming names.” With the squad still carrying several fringe players from last season’s busy rebuild, further outgoings before the window closes cannot be ruled out.

What this means for Rangers fans

The next 48 hours will be critical for Rangers as they finalise their squad for the Premiership campaign. A new defender would ease concerns about depth with four games in 12 days, while a creative winger could add the spark McInnes believes his attack lacks. The potential sale of Raskin, while anticipated, still carries risk if the club fails to reinvest effectively.

Rangers kick off their league season away to Dundee United on Friday, and any new signings could be eligible to feature if paperwork is completed in time. Fans should expect official announcements from the club once deals are fully concluded.

Source: BBC Sport Football – “McInnes teases Rangers signing within 48 hours” (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly9w1eez14o)