Derek McInnes Prioritizes Attack Reinforcements for Rangers Ahead of Transfer Deadline

Derek McInnes has openly identified the critical needs for Rangers before the transfer window closes, emphasizing his views in the lead-up to the UEFA Conference League first-leg match against Jablonec. In an interview with Rangers Review, the 55-year-old manager confirmed that the squad has bolstered its defense with the signings of full-backs Kosta Nedeljkovic and James Penrice, who are both included for Thursday’s European fixture at Ibrox. While defensive depth is now secure, there is an urgent need to strengthen the attacking front.

Rangers boss focuses on attacking recruits as top priority

The severity of Chermiti’s ACL injury has heightened the urgency. McInnes noted that the club is now actively seeking a specific center-forward, while also aiming to secure a quality winger who can operate on either side. When asked if Rangers would still consider signing a centre-back, using Dujon Sterling or Ross McCrorie for coverage, he responded directly: “Never say never,” but reiterated that priorities lie with the attack, making it clear that their next signing should come from the forward positions.

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The midfielder Nico Raskin also received recognition; despite summer transfer rumors, McInnes commended him for his commitment and focus. Meanwhile, he addressed Lawrence Shankland’s situation, acknowledging that while the captain may not be guaranteed a starting position, he believes in his ability to score consistently when on the pitch.

Analysis: Rangers’ recruitment strategy scrutinized for attacking depth

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. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

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It is imperative that McInnes makes the right choice. The problems that plagued Rangers during their Europa League qualifying exit against Jagiellonia Bialystok were largely due to an ineffective frontline, which lacked the ability to penetrate a structured defense.

Chermiti’s injury has pushed Rangers back into the hunt for a striker, exposing a lack of dynamism in their attack. While Shankland can find the net, relying on one player to shoulder the attacking responsibilities in both a European campaign and a tight title race against Celtic is unrealistic. The issues with creativity that affected the side last season have not been resolved with a single midfield addition.

Rangers had a second bid of approximately £7m rejected by Brighton for 21-year-old Amario Cozier-Duberry, who has attracted interest from multiple clubs. This would-be signing is vital, as the player is a direct threat with the ability to change games, enhancing Rangers’ options either as a starter or off the bench. A winger capable of stretching low-block defenses in the Scottish Premiership and creating opportunities for a striker is essential, not just desirable.

Cozier-Duberry is recognized for his dribbling skills, ball-carrying, and ability to challenge defenders one-on-one—qualities that Rangers currently lack in their opponents. Adding a center-back when McCrorie and Dujon can provide adequate cover addresses nothing. McInnes is justified in his approach. If the board does not support him in strengthening the attack before the Scottish window closes on 3 September, Rangers risk not only falling short in the league but also conceding the title race to Celtic far too early.

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.

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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)

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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.