Rangers Transfer Priority Revealed By Derek McInnes: Should They Really Focus On Attack? | OneFootball

Derek McInnes has made no secret of what Rangers need before the transfer window slams shut, and his words ahead of the UEFA Conference League first-leg tie against Jablonec displayed clarity. Speaking to Rangers Review, the 55-year-old confirmed that the club’s defensive options have been shored up, with full-backs Kosta Nedeljkovic and James Penrice both signed and included in the squad for Thursday’s European assignment at Ibrox. Structural depth at the back? Sorted. But the front end of the pitch? That’s where the urgency is.

Rangers boss makes attacking reinforcement the only transfer target that matters

Chermiti’s ACL injury forced the issue. McInnes acknowledged that a specific number nine is now being actively targeted, and that securing a quality winger capable of operating on either flank remains a clear ambition. Asked whether Rangers would still pursue a centre-half, using Dujon Sterling or Ross McCrorie as cover instead, he gave a very direct answer. “Never say never,” he said, “but the priorities are at the top end of the pitch.” He wants the next signing to come from the forward areas. No ambiguity there.

Midfielder Nico Raskin earns a mention too. Exit rumours swirled around the Belgian this summer, yet McInnes praised him for staying completely locked in. Lawrence Shankland, meanwhile, gets both a reality check and a vote of confidence. The manager accepts the captain can’t be guaranteed a permanent starting berth, but backs his ability to score regularly when given minutes.

T4O take: Rangers attacking recruitment, honest assessment

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 13: Rangers manager Derek McInnes is seen during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 third qualifying round second leg match between Rangers FC and Jagiellonia Bialystok at Ibrox Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

This is exactly the right call. Not nearly enough has been said about how exposed Rangers became through the middle of the park and in behind during their Europa League qualifying collapse against Jagiellonia Bialystok. The problems weren’t structural at the back. They were about a frontline that couldn’t hurt a well-organised defence.

Chermiti’s ACL injury has thrust Rangers back into the striker market, and it’s stripped what little dynamism the attack had. Shankland can score, but asking one player to carry the entire attacking burden in both a European campaign and a title race against Celtic is fanciful. The creative paralysis that plagued this side last season didn’t solve itself with a midfield signing.

Rangers had a second bid of around £7m rejected by Brighton for 21-year-old Amario Cozier-Duberry, with multiple clubs now interested. That rejection stings, but the profile, a direct, 1v1 threat who changes games off the bench or from the start, is precisely what McInnes needs. A winger who can stretch low-block defences in the Scottish Premiership and create proper angles for a striker to operate through is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.

Cozier-Duberry is known for his dribbling, ball-carrying and ability to take on defenders in 1v1 situations, and those are exactly the attributes that Rangers’ opponents know they won’t face right now. Adding a redundant centre-half when McCrorie and Dujon can fill that role adequately? It solves nothing. McInnes is right to hold that line. If the board don’t back him in the forward areas before the Scottish window closes on 3 September, Rangers don’t just risk falling short domestically. They hand Celtic a title race that shouldn’t be conceded this early.