Headline: Rangers Manager McInnes Focuses on League Title Race After Strong Start
Derek McInnes has spent five months transforming Rangers into a competitive team that effectively wears down their opponents. Since taking over from Hearts in June, he has not had to contend with European group-stage matches, allowing him to concentrate fully on the league. The team’s recent 2-0 victory over St Mirren keeps them locked in a close title race with Celtic.
On September 20, McInnes made history by becoming the first Rangers manager since Graeme Souness to win his debut Old Firm derby, edging past Celtic 1-0. A subsequent 1-0 semi-final win over Aberdeen on October 31 secured Rangers a spot in the League Cup final. However, McInnes recently expressed concerns about squad depth during a defensive crisis, with a 2-2 draw against Dundee highlighting the team’s potential drop in intensity.
The strengths of McInnes’s tactical approach are apparent, featuring elite organization, a mid-block defense that restricts central space, and effective utilization of former players like Shankland and Devlin. Nonetheless, the approach can also lead to rigidity, particularly when the wingers struggle to outmaneuver opposing defenders.
Djeidi Gassama has made nine starts in 11 league games, primarily on the left but also capable of playing right. The right side of the attack saw changes on transfer deadline day with the addition of an Algerian international on loan from VfB Stuttgart.
The winger behind the reported price tag
Badredine Bouanani has gradually found his footing in the team, regularly starting and netting a key goal against Dundee in October. His impactful performance against Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-final confirmed his value. McInnes employs Bouanani as an isolation winger who excels in slow-paced possession scenarios. His ability to engage full-backs and create spaces for overlapping defenders will be vital as the season progresses.
According to Football Insider, former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness has speculated that chairman Andrew Cavenagh might consider personally funding a permanent £15 million transfer, leveraging proceeds from his upcoming £4.5 billion ParetoHealth sale. Wyness has suggested the sale of 22-year-old Youssef Chermiti, despite his ACL injury, after a £22 million bid from Besiktas was rejected this past summer.
Should Rangers pay the full £15m to keep Bouanani?
Rangers face a dilemma concerning Bouanani’s potential £15 million price tag. While many agree on his talent, the price could strain other areas of the squad. McInnes remains uncertain about specific terms, with speculation suggesting a more reasonable cost of £8-10 million. Unlike traditional wingers, Bouanani controls game tempo and effectively challenges defenders in compact settings.
If Cavenagh finalizes the ParetoHealth sale, the board may find it beneficial to consider director loans or private funding, which would circumvent Financial Fair Play regulations. European clubs are reportedly eyeing Gassama, but McInnes strongly opposes a January departure, making Chermiti a more viable option for sale.
Despite suffering a long-term ACL injury, Chermiti’s previous valuation at £22 million retains significant continental appeal, and a potential deal in 2027 could help cover costs. McInnes believes that maintaining a strong defensive foundation will allow both Bouanani and Gassama the freedom to take risks, making it more crucial to ensure squad stability than to commit to a £15 million expenditure.
