Andrew Cavenagh has lifted the lid on Rangers’ summer transfer strategy — and admitted the club now operates with a clear “pro-Scottish and SPFL bias” when identifying new signings for Danny Rohl’s squad.
Speaking during a wide-ranging interview at Ibrox, the Rangers chief outlined how mentality, leadership, chemistry and experience will take priority over simply spending huge amounts of money after a disappointing campaign that saw the club finish third in the Scottish Premiership without silverware.
Cavenagh insisted Rangers remain financially prepared to strengthen heavily this summer despite missing out on Champions League revenue, but stressed the focus is now on recruiting the right personalities rather than just raw talent.
“Our focus is on building a winning team and we are prepared to commit more resources to achieve that,” Cavenagh explained.
After overseeing massive squad turnover last summer, Rangers are now aiming for a more focused rebuild with fewer but more carefully selected additions.
“There will still be a number of signings and we will be active again,” he said.
“It will be a step down in terms of volume from last year, but one step up in terms of focus on chemistry, leadership, etc.”
The Rangers chief openly admitted the squad lacked leadership and mentality during key moments of the season despite possessing enough technical quality to compete for the title.
“We need better leadership, more mentality to achieve our goals,” Cavenagh admitted.
“We do think the team needs more chemistry, leadership and experience.”
Rangers Confirm Scottish Transfer Preference
One of the biggest revelations from the interview came when Cavenagh confirmed Rangers now actively favour Scottish players and footballers with SPFL experience whenever possible.
“We have a pro-Scottish bias in the club today,” Cavenagh revealed.
“Meaning if you have two players roughly equal and one is Scottish, we will take the Scottish player.”
He explained that Rangers first identify the exact profile they need before assessing potential targets.
“When we look at what positions we are filling we don’t start with people — we start with profiles,” he explained.
“What positions is it, what type of person is it? An athletic centre-back or a ball-winning centre-back, for example. How big, how fast?”
Cavenagh also stressed that Rangers constantly check whether suitable Scottish players fit those requirements.
“We are always asking who is Scottish that fits that profile,” he added.
“That’s not to say we can just go out and grab 11 Scots off the street and win the title.”
SPFL Experience Also Valued
In addition to prioritising Scottish talent, Rangers are also placing significant value on players already familiar with the demands of Scottish football.
“I would say we equally look at an SPFL bias,” Cavenagh continued.
“If we’re looking at two players who are roughly similar and one has extensive SPFL experience against one does not, we would take the SPFL-experienced player.”
The comments are likely to excite many Rangers supporters who have long called for the club to recruit more players with experience of Scottish football and stronger mental attributes capable of handling the pressure at Ibrox.
Rangers Preparing Busy Summer Window
Despite the challenges caused by the upcoming World Cup and the lack of Champions League income, Cavenagh made it clear Rangers will continue to move aggressively in the market.
“We need to be ready and to move early,” he said.
“We cannot sit on our hands during the World Cup and go ‘we are going to take a break from recruitment’.”
With Danny Rohl backed to continue as manager and recruitment plans already underway, Rangers now appear set for another crucial summer rebuild — but this time with a much stronger focus on mentality, chemistry and players who understand Scottish football.
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