Rangers Set To Move Away From This 29-Year-Old Signing: Does That Make Them Smarter In The Long Run? | OneFootball

Rangers Football Club are at a defining point in their recent history. Danny Rohl, who took over the managerial role in October, has made a real impact at the helm, with the Gers aiming to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts. The German manager brought a clear tactical identity and a willingness to ask tough questions about how the club operate, from the dressing room to the scouting department.

Since Hearts started to wobble, picking up just four points from their last three games, Rangers have responded by taking nine points from nine, cutting the lead to a single point ahead of the post-split fixtures. That on-pitch momentum is only half the story, though; what Rohl is building behind the scenes looks just as important as the results.

Rangers’ Shift in Transfer Thinking?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has highlighted the change in philosophy now taking shape at Ibrox, explaining that Shankland does not fit the profile Rangers want right now. Rohl’s side are prioritising younger players with high potential, talents they can develop and eventually sell for a profit, rather than established but older names.

That marks a clear move away from the long-running Shankland rumours, as Rangers have rebuilt their transfer strategy ahead of the summer window to focus on youth. The January window proved this direction, with three of Rangers’ four signings aged just 22. Rohl has already confirmed that summer planning is underway, with targets like Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles, Dundee centre-back Luke Graham, and Sheffield United forward Tyrese Campbell already discussed with the recruitment team.

“(Shankland) doesn’t fit the profile for what Rangers are trying to do.

“Rangers are looking at more younger players who they can help develop, and players with big potential that maybe they can move on in the future.”

Does Ditching the Shankland Chase Actually Make Rangers Smarter in the Long Run?

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MARCH 21: Lawrence Shankland of Heart of Midlothian reacts during the William Hill Premiership match between Heart of Midlothian and Dundee at Tynecastle Park on March 21, 2026 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

Honestly, yes, and the reasoning goes deeper than it first appears. Rangers chased Shankland for the better part of two years across multiple managers, but each time the move fell through over valuation or the player’s own hesitation. Rohl has effectively ended that cycle, freeing the club from a transfer saga that was starting to look more like an obsession than a strategy.

By targeting players like Luke Graham or Tyrese Campbell instead, Rangers are looking to own an asset rather than rent one. Chairman Andrew Cavenagh has announced a share issue to raise £16 million for player investment, meaning Rohl should get serious backing this summer.

Spending that on a 29-year-old forward with an expiring deal elsewhere is a massive risk, especially for a squad that need surgery in several positions. Rohl’s model creates value. A 22-year-old developed at Ibrox, playing in Europe, becomes a genuine asset that the club control. That is the kind of forward-thinking Rangers have missed in the past, and it matters far more than any short-term goals Shankland might have provided.