Rangers’ January transfer window is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent seasons, as manager Danny Røhl and his backroom staff look to maintain their momentum in the Scottish Premiership title race. With four straight league wins under their belt and the gap to leaders Hearts now just three points, the Ibrox faithful have every reason to feel optimistic. But the mood in Glasgow is not just one of celebration—it’s one of anticipation, as new faces and fresh strategies loom on the horizon.
Central to Rangers’ recruitment drive is the hunt for a specialist number six midfielder. The club has zeroed in on 22-year-old Tochi Chukwuani, currently plying his trade with Austrian champions Sturm Graz. Chukwuani is no stranger to Rangers supporters; he played the full 90 minutes when Sturm Graz edged out Rangers 2–1 in the UEFA Europa League earlier this season. That performance, marked by composure under pressure and tactical maturity, left a lasting impression on both fans and scouts alike. According to the Rangers Review, Chukwuani is now “high on their list of targets,” and multiple sources confirm that talks between Rangers and Sturm Graz are underway.
The Danish U21 international, who has already earned 20 caps for his country’s youth side, fits the mold of what Røhl demands from his midfield anchor: positional discipline, an ability to sense danger early, and the technical skill to recycle possession swiftly. As one observer noted, “Chukwuani’s ability to break up play and keep things ticking was central to Sturm Graz’s control on the night.” It’s little wonder that Rangers’ recruitment team have made him a priority.
But Chukwuani isn’t the only name on the shortlist. Silas Andersen of BK Häcken has also caught the eye of Ibrox’s scouting department. The Swedish-based midfielder, standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, is known for his strong positional sense and technical prowess. While no formal bid has been lodged with Häcken, contact with Andersen’s representatives has been ongoing since last year, signaling sustained interest. The club views Andersen as a player who could adapt quickly to Røhl’s high-energy, counter-pressing system—one that’s already delivered a string of clean sheets and a renewed sense of structural discipline since the German manager’s arrival.
Why the sudden focus on the number six role? Under Røhl, Rangers’ midfield has evolved into a dynamic, aggressive unit. The holding midfielder’s job is pivotal: screening the defense, disrupting opposition attacks, and allowing more progressive teammates to surge forward without leaving gaps behind. “The number six is the heartbeat of our structure,” Røhl has emphasized in recent tactical briefings, underscoring just how vital this position has become as Rangers chase silverware on multiple fronts.
Of course, any incoming midfielder raises questions about the future of Connor Barron, who has been a revelation in the heart of the Rangers midfield during their current winning streak. Barron’s intelligence, leadership, and set-piece delivery have seen him notch two assists in the recent 2-0 victory over Aberdeen. Yet, club insiders are quick to clarify that Barron’s place is not under threat. Instead, the pursuit of Chukwuani and Andersen is about depth, rotation, and tactical flexibility. “A specialist number six would allow Barron to be managed more effectively and even play further forward when needed,” one source explained. This strategic reinforcement is designed to guard against the fatigue, suspensions, and injuries that have derailed previous title pushes.
The January window isn’t just about arrivals, though. Rangers are preparing to offload up to six players to generate funds and streamline the squad. Joe Rothwell, signed last summer but unable to integrate into the team, is expected to depart after falling out of the matchday squad since late November. The club is confident they can recoup the six-figure fee paid to Bournemouth for his services. Kieran Dowell is likely to spend the final months of his contract out on loan, while Bailey Rice, once tipped for stardom, looks set to leave Govan on a free transfer after limited first-team impact. Lyall Cameron, Findlay Curtis, and Oscar Cortes are also set for loan moves, with Curtis potentially joining Kilmarnock under Neil McCann and Billy Dodds.
Rangers’ recruitment ambitions extend beyond midfield. With Brentford loanee Jayden Meghoma the only natural left-back, the club is actively seeking competition for that position. Former Hearts defender James Penrice remains on the radar, but reports from Greece suggest AEK Athens have ruled out any sale, considering Penrice a “valuable member of the squad.” As a result, attention has shifted to Westerlo’s Tuur Rommens, a Belgium U21 international viewed as a more attainable target due to his age and potential. Meanwhile, the club is also monitoring Motherwell’s Elliot Watt as a backup midfield option, and Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pierce Charles as a precautionary measure should lucrative offers arrive for current number one Jack Butland.
Behind the scenes, the recruitment process is being guided by football consultant Stig Inge Byornbye, who is advising on a six-month basis alongside technical director Dan Purdy. Their approach is shaped by the contrasting football philosophies of Røhl and former manager Russell Martin. Where Martin prioritized ball retention and patient buildup, Røhl’s blueprint is all about off-ball structure, compactness, and quick transitions—a style that demands athletic, tactically astute midfielders capable of thriving under pressure.
There’s a sense of urgency and evolution at Ibrox. The message from the boardroom, reinforced by the financial backing of American owners Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, is clear: Rangers are not content to stand still. “Strengthening the spine of the team in January would send a message to Hearts, Celtic, and the chasing pack,” as one club insider put it. Whether the club lands Chukwuani, Andersen, or another target, the intent is unmistakable—Rangers are building for both the present and the future.
As the January window heats up, the next few weeks promise more twists and turns. With transfer talks ongoing and the squad bracing for both arrivals and departures, Rangers supporters have plenty to watch for as their club aims to reclaim domestic glory and restore its European reputation. The coming days could define not just the remainder of this campaign, but the trajectory of the Røhl era at Ibrox.
