Stewart Wilson

Rangers are reportedly pushing to sign Girona winger Kim Min-su after Youssef Chermiti’s injury increased the club’s need for attacking options. The 24-year-old South Korean impressed while on loan at Andorra, scoring six goals in 40 appearances, but Girona are said to be demanding his €10 million release clause, approximately £8.5 million. Kim’s contract runs until June 2027, and Trabzonspor are also reportedly interested.

Former Heart of Midlothian winger Islam Chesnokov has joined Russian club Krylia Sovetov on loan from Tobol, which retains an option to purchase him. The 26-year-old Kazakhstan international made 11 appearances and scored once for Hearts after joining in January, helping the club finish runners-up in the Scottish Premiership. He previously recorded 101 appearances, 29 goals and 17 assists for Tobol, winning two Kazakhstan Cups and one Super Cup.

Rangers have made a poor start to the campaign, winning only one of their first five fixtures and prompting supporters to question manager Derek McInnes. Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton believes McInnes understands the club’s demanding expectations and can turn the situation around, but warns that time is the key challenge because Rangers managers are rarely given much patience. Hutton attributes the frustration to deeper, longstanding issues, including an ineffective managerial turnover and player-trading model, rather than just the team’s early results.

Rangers expect to receive more than 800 away tickets for the second leg of their Conference League tie at FK Jablonec after requesting an allocation above the usual five-percent minimum. The exact number of tickets was still awaiting confirmation, with registration due to open shortly. Rangers head into the fixture in confident form after defeating St Mirren 5–1 in the Premier Sports Cup.

Derek McInnes said Rangers delayed confirming their lineup until James Penrice received international clearance after joining on loan from AEK Athens. Penrice starts at left-back in place of the injured Tuur Rommens, while four changes from the defeat to Hibs are intended to add freshness, energy and physicality against St Mirren. McInnes also outlined his attacking setup and said the team is capable of winning the Premier Sports Cup tie.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes has named his starting XI for the Premier Sports Cup last-16 match against St Mirren at Ibrox. James Penrice makes his debut in place of the injured Tuur Rommens, while Ryan Naderi replaces the unavailable Youssef Chermiti. Rangers have made four changes following their Europa League elimination by Jagiellonia Białystok, with kickoff scheduled for 4pm and live coverage on Premier Sports.

Rangers’ Scottish Football Association hearing over disorder following last year’s Scottish Cup quarter-final against Celtic at Ibrox has been postponed until August 24 because of Rangers’ Europa League match against Jagiellonia Białystok. Celtic will still answer related charges earlier. Both clubs face potential sanctions under SFA rule 37, while an independent review led by Mark Blackbourne blamed supporter violence and identified planning failures involving the clubs and police. A final decision is unlikely until Rangers’ hearing is completed.

Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday has criticised the club’s midfield balance and tactical approach after Rangers took one point from their opening two league matches and lost 2-1 to Hibernian despite 76% possession. He questioned Cammy Devlin’s suitability against teams defending deep, arguing that Devlin’s tendency to drop between the centre-backs can leave Rangers exposed to counter-attacks. Halliday also described the team’s 4-4-2 system as passive and lacking movement, while arguing that Rangers’ midfielders are too similar and unable to control games. Former teammate Ryan Jack offered a more supportive view of Devlin, saying manager Derek McInnes clearly trusts him.

Rangers striker Youssef Chermiti was stretchered off during the first half against Hibernian after suffering an apparent injury. The setback leaves manager Derek McInnes concerned about Chermiti’s availability for the Scottish Premiership campaign and an upcoming European qualifier against Jagiellonia Białystok. The injury follows Galatasaray’s rejected £22 million bid for the Portuguese forward and could affect the Turkish club’s willingness to resume negotiations.

Daisuke Yokota describes a hectic move from Hannover 96 to Rangers, followed almost immediately by his debut against Jagiellonia Białystok in a European qualifier. The Japanese winger says teammates welcomed him warmly, although he had little time to adapt, and acknowledges the pressure of becoming Rangers’ first Japanese player. He remains enthusiastic about the challenge and the club’s stature despite the team’s unwanted result.

Rangers are reportedly close to signing Hannover 96 winger Daisuke Yokota for about £2.75 million, potentially allowing him to join the squad for their Europa League tie against Jagiellonia Białystok. The club is also considering another right winger after Oliver Antman’s departure, with Frosinone’s Farès Ghedjemis and Colombian winger Camilo Mena among the options. Rangers are additionally seeking defensive reinforcements, while Ben Godfrey’s injury could give Olwethu Makhanya an opportunity to debut.

Former Valencia star Gaizka Mendieta has urged Rangers to make a strong statement in the transfer market after Celtic won the Scottish title. He believes Rangers are too significant a club to remain outside the Champions League and says the competition misses the atmosphere generated by the Ibrox club and its supporters. Rangers have already made up to eight signings, while manager Derek McInnes is seeking another winger.

Former Rangers captain James Tavernier is reportedly considering a move to Ligue 1 after talks over a transfer to Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer. Paris FC and Nice are said to be interested in the 34-year-old free agent, who left Rangers after the 2025/26 season following 565 appearances, 144 goals and 148 assists.

Rangers travel to Tannadice to face Dundee United in Derek McInnes' first official match as manager. The game is scheduled for Friday, July 31, with an 8pm kick-off, and will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, with streaming available through NOW TV. Rangers enter the match after a series of mixed pre-season results, including wins over Saint-Etienne, Dunfermline Athletic and Raith Rovers.

The SPFL has confirmed that Hearts will host Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Premier Sports Cup last 16 on Sunday, August 16, with a 2pm kick-off at Tynecastle. The match will not be televised but will be available through Premier Sports Player. It will be new Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken's first cup match in charge.

The Scottish Football Association has appointed Nick Walsh as referee for Rangers' Scottish Premiership opener against Dundee United at Tannadice. Calum Spence and Jonathan Bell will serve as assistant referees, Peter Stuart as fourth official, and Steven McLean and Gary Hilland will oversee VAR. The match will be Derek McInnes' first professional game as Rangers manager and Jim Goodwin's first match in charge of Dundee United for the new Premiership season.

John Souttar is expected to leave Rangers this summer after being omitted from the squad for pre-season training in Spain and entering the final year of his contract. Swansea City and Leicester City are reportedly competing to sign the defender, with negotiations ongoing. Rangers are preparing to replace him with South African international Olwethu Makhanya, who is poised to join from Philadelphia Union for £3 million on a four-year contract, while Ben Godfrey has also arrived on loan from Atalanta.

Gary McAllister says Steven Gerrard has no regrets about leaving Rangers for Aston Villa, viewing the move to the Premier League as an important step in his coaching career. McAllister says Gerrard remains fond of Rangers and rejects claims that the club’s Covid-era title win was diminished by empty stadiums, noting that Rangers ended Celtic’s long hold on the championship. He also backs current manager Derek McInnes to restore Rangers to success, citing his knowledge of the club and understanding of what it means to represent the team.

Rangers CEO Jim Gillespie outlined a transfer strategy centered on leadership, character, mentality and familiarity with the demands of Scottish football. The club’s four-part model—recruit, develop, sell and reinvest—aims to use player sales to support sporting success rather than replace it, with sell-on clauses and long-term value planning important to major deals. Rangers intend to be more selective about early player exits and have identified central defence, midfield and wide areas as future recruitment priorities. Supporter confidence in the approach is expected to depend on whether it produces tangible results.

Rangers manager Derek McInnes says the club can realistically aim to win the Scottish Premiership if it develops greater consistency, confidence and momentum. He emphasizes the importance of a strong start, treating every match seriously and earning supporters' trust through regular performances, while also indicating that Rangers remain close to completing another transfer.

Former Rangers striker Robbie Ure scored his 20th goal in 19 games for Swedish club IK Sirius during a 4-1 win over Gothenburg. The 22-year-old forward is attracting reported interest from Lecce, Trabzonspor, Lyon and Hoffenheim, while Sirius is seeking a substantial transfer fee. Ure said he would be interested in moving to a top league if the opportunity arose.

Rangers ended their pre-season preparations with a goalless draw against West Ham United, despite creating numerous chances that were denied by goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Former Rangers player and co-commentator Maurice Ross singled out new loan signing Ben Godfrey for an outstanding defensive display, calling him a “Rolls-Royce.” Godfrey joined from Atalanta for the season, with Rangers holding an option to sign him permanently for about £3.8 million.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has suggested that Mikey Moore’s future remains uncertain as the club seeks to sign additional wingers. Moore, who impressed during a loan spell at Rangers and won the club’s Young Player of the Year award, could be allowed to leave again, potentially prompting Rangers to pursue another loan arrangement.

Former Rangers academy player Alex Lowry, 23, has joined Motherwell on a season-long loan from Wycombe Wanderers. Lowry made 14 first-team appearances for Rangers and scored twice before moving permanently to the English League One club the previous summer. He said he was pleased to return to Scotland and believed he could contribute to Motherwell's strong squad and developing style under its manager.

Cammy Devlin says he understands Hearts supporters’ anger after leaving the club at the end of his contract to join Rangers. He describes Hearts as a special club and expresses lasting gratitude for the opportunities it gave him, while acknowledging that his return to Tynecastle in October could receive a hostile reception. Devlin says the move is not personal and that he intends to embrace the occasion.

Robbie Savage confirmed that Forest Green Rovers and Hearts have agreed a club‑record transfer fee for Laurent Mendy, potentially rising to nearly £1 million with add‑ons. Mendy is expected to undergo a medical in Edinburgh and complete the move ahead of the Scottish Premiership opener but will be ineligible for Hearts’ Champions League qualifier second leg against Sturm Graz. Savage described the opportunity as life‑changing for the player and significant for both clubs.

Mikey Moore expresses enthusiasm about returning to Tottenham after a loan spell at Rangers, crediting his time in Glasgow for improving him both physically and mentally. Aiming to break into Roberto De Zerbi’s squad for the new season, he highlights his development and readiness to compete in the physically demanding Premier League while joining the team on its upcoming training camp in Australia and New Zealand.

The Scottish FA issued Rangers manager Derek McInnes a four‑match ban for comments made last season criticizing a VAR penalty decision awarded to Celtic. Three matches will be served immediately, while a fourth is suspended until the end of the 2026–27 season, contingent on no further breaches of Disciplinary Rule 72. The ruling followed a hearing at Hampden, concluding that McInnes’ remarks suggested bias or incompetence by match officials.

Derek McInnes released his first home starting lineup as Rangers manager for a pre‑season friendly against Ligue 2 side Saint‑Etienne at Ibrox, following several closed‑door matches. The named XI includes Pandur, McCrorie, Fernandez, Godfrey, Rommens, Chukwuani, Neil, Diomande, Curtis, Shankland and Chermiti, with a full bench listed as well, giving supporters their first look at the new‑look squad.

An independent review commissioned by the Scottish Football Association examined disorder surrounding the March 8, 2026 Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter‑final at Ibrox. Conducted by Mark Blackbourne, the report issued 30 recommendations on organising and managing large‑scale events. Both Rangers and Celtic were charged under SFA Disciplinary Rule 37 for failing to prevent or respond adequately to unacceptable supporter conduct, with hearings scheduled for August 16.

Rangers appointed former Livingston and Ayr United manager David Hopkin as head of academy scouting, bringing him in from Crystal Palace as part of a wider backroom restructuring. Hopkin will oversee youth recruitment, replacing James Fowler, who moved to Newcastle United. The club has expanded its support staff with additional performance and coaching hires ahead of the new season.

Former Rangers defender Connor Goldson shared an update after undergoing a 13‑hour open‑heart surgery, confirming the operation was successful despite complications. He spent nights in intensive care and a high‑dependency unit before being discharged five days later. Goldson reported steady progress in recovery at home, praised his wife’s support and plans to provide further updates in the coming weeks.

Heart of Midlothian face a challenging European pathway, meeting Sturm Graz in their Champions League qualifier with potential Europa League ties against Benfica or St Gallen should they be knocked out. Progression would set up a Champions League meeting with Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze. Fixture dates are set for early August, highlighting a demanding schedule for the club.

Derek McInnes expresses awareness of the pressure and responsibility he faces as Rangers manager, noting that early pre-season has provided space to build his squad and integrate six new signings. While continuing to pursue further transfers, he emphasizes that results on the pitch remain the priority. He highlights the club staff’s round-the-clock efforts on recruitment and anticipates clearer progress once competitive matches begin.

Heart of Midlothian marked their 140th anniversary with a 2–1 victory over Rayo Vallecano, highlighted by debutant Amadou Ba-Sy scoring twice in the first half. Hearts controlled much of the match despite a deflected goal bringing Vallecano back into contention. Strong goalkeeping and consistent attacking pressure secured the win, providing confidence ahead of their upcoming Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz.

Heart of Midlothian named a 22-man squad for the Champions League second qualifying round against Sturm Graz, leaving out ten first‑team players due to UEFA squad rules and injuries. Several summer signings, including goalkeeper Beau Reus, are excluded, while Alexander Schwolow is available for both legs. Injuries further limit options, and Hearts may adjust the list until Monday night before traveling to Austria for the first leg. A new squad would be required for the next qualifying round if they progress.

Cormac Daly, recently signed by Heart of Midlothian from Nottingham Forest, has joined Arbroath on loan for the 2026–27 season. Hearts’ academy and Arbroath confirmed the move on social media, noting he will wear the number 19 shirt. The loan awaits Scottish FA approval.

Derek McInnes signaled that Rangers expect further transfer activity as the squad prepares for upcoming matches, highlighting returning players who strengthen team depth and noting improvements in fitness levels during pre-season. Ongoing efforts aim to complete additional signings before facing St-Etienne, with focus on improving cohesion and readiness ahead of the league opener against Dundee United.

Rangers concluded their pre-season camp in Spain with a 2-2 draw against Johor Darul Ta'zim, recovering from a two-goal deficit through a brace from Tochi Chukwuani. The match followed a 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs, with Derek McInnes fielding a rotated squad and making multiple substitutions. Earlier warm-up games included wins over Raith Rovers and Dunfermline, and the team now returns to the UK to prepare for upcoming friendlies against St Etienne and West Ham.

Sheffield United are pursuing Rangers defender John Souttar, with talks underway and several Championship clubs monitoring his situation. Souttar, who remained in Glasgow during the club’s Spain training camp, is expected to leave despite recently extending his contract. Brazilian striker Danilo is also likely to depart, drawing interest from clubs in Holland and Greece, as Rangers continue a summer squad overhaul.

Sixteen-year-old Rangers forward Kyle Glasgow has joined Alloa Athletic on loan as part of a cooperation agreement between the clubs. Glasgow, who signed his first professional contract earlier in the year, was a prolific contributor to Rangers’ Under-17 and Under-19 title-winning teams, scoring more than 20 goals across both levels. Eligible for Scotland and Portugal and capped by both at youth level, he begins his first senior loan alongside fellow Rangers youngster Max Cameron.

Rangers established loan co‑operation agreements with Queen’s Park and Alloa Athletic to enhance development opportunities for academy players aged 16 to 21 eligible for Scotland’s national teams. The system allows flexible movement between the clubs during the season, expanding on last year’s successful partnership with Alloa, where several players gained significant experience. Rangers’ academy leadership emphasized the developmental benefits and ongoing support players will receive through the collaboration.

Kieran Wright, recently released by Rangers, is on trial with Queen of the South following Trevor Carson’s unexpected retirement due to a knee injury. Manager Nicky Clark is searching for a new first-choice goalkeeper and is evaluating Wright as a potential signing ahead of the League One season.

Allan McGregor described the factors he considered before accepting the lead goalkeeping coach role at Rangers, noting that the longer-term commitment and his lack of coaching badges required careful thought. After a brief previous stint assisting Barry Ferguson, he ultimately decided to return following assurances from the club that his transition into coaching would be supported.

Wouter Vrancken says there have been no concrete transfer offers for Claudio Braga despite interest from Ipswich Town and Lyon. He maintains open communication with the player and reports no movement so far. Vrancken also notes that Amadou Ba-Sy is recovering from illness and is expected to regain fitness ahead of the Champions League qualifiers.

Cammy Devlin confirmed his departure from Heart of Midlothian, expressing gratitude to supporters, staff, and teammates after five years at the club. He reflected on major moments including European matches and derby wins, credited the club for helping him reach international milestones, and wished Hearts future success after choosing not to sign a new contract following discussions earlier in the week.

Heart of Midlothian confirmed that its away ticket allocation for the Champions League qualifier against Sturm Graz sold out in under seven hours, with nearly 1,350 supporters set to travel. The club shared the announcement on social media and noted that fans will be seated in designated sections of the Melkur Arena, with further details to follow.