Rangers’ decision to secure Lyall Cameron on a pre-contract deal is a move that looks to benefit the club on both a sporting and financial level, with a host of positive implications for their squad in the long term. One of the key areas where Rangers have been lacking this season has been their midfield. While they boast some talented players in that position—such as Nico Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, and Connor Barron—none of these players have been prolific in front of goal. Between the three of them, they have contributed just six goals in the 2024/25 season, and five of those have come from Diomande. This highlights a glaring gap in the midfield’s ability to chip in with goals, something that often becomes a key factor in deciding tight matches and adding that extra dimension to a team’s attacking play.

Enter Lyall Cameron, a player who, in contrast to Rangers’ current midfield options, has already scored eight goals for Dundee this season. While many have questioned how Cameron fits into Philippe Clement’s tactical setup at Rangers, there is little doubt that his style of play will provide a unique and valuable asset to the squad. Known for his dynamic running and ability to make well-timed runs into the penalty box, Cameron adds an attacking threat from midfield that Rangers have been missing for much of this campaign. His eye for goal, combined with his composure in front of goal, makes him an ideal candidate to offer that extra bit of creativity and attacking prowess that could prove crucial in the club’s pursuit of silverware this season.

The timing of Cameron’s move to Rangers could not be more ideal. In the current climate of competitive Scottish football, with Celtic continuing to dominate, Rangers need every advantage they can find to make up ground and challenge for the title. By securing Cameron, they have not only added a proven goalscorer to their ranks but also made a move that could significantly impact their squad dynamics moving forward. While some may have raised questions about where exactly he will fit into the team, his versatility and the way he can contribute offensively make him a valuable addition, offering Clement more tactical flexibility in terms of midfield options.

From a financial perspective, Rangers have made an astute move by securing Cameron for a reported £400,000 via a tribunal. This is a remarkably low fee for a player of Cameron’s potential and current form, especially considering that Rangers paid £600,000 to Aberdeen for Connor Barron in a similar deal just a year ago. The difference in price between the two deals further underlines how savvy Rangers have been in the transfer market. This acquisition not only provides the team with a player who has already demonstrated his ability to score goals and influence matches but also represents excellent value for money in comparison to other deals in the market.

What’s even more intriguing is how this deal could have long-term ramifications on Rangers’ transfer strategy. Earlier in the winter transfer window, Rangers were linked with Marko Soldo, a Croatian U21 international who currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb. Reports suggested that the midfielder would cost Rangers around £2.5 million, a sum that, at the time, seemed unlikely given the club’s limited budget for this window. By securing Cameron for a fraction of that cost, Rangers have potentially saved themselves from having to make a big-money move for Soldo in the near future.

Both players—Cameron and Soldo—share a similar skill set, making it less likely that Rangers will pursue the Croatian talent this summer. Like Cameron, Soldo is a box-to-box midfielder known for his powerful runs, ability to attack space, and contribution to the offensive phase of play. According to a detailed report by Croatian publication Germanijak, Soldo excels in a dynamic midfield role, using his physicality to drive forward and contribute goals, attributes that are strikingly similar to Cameron’s. Given the parallel qualities between the two, Rangers’ decision to bring in Cameron for such a low price means they are now well-equipped with a player who provides a similar level of dynamism and attacking threat without the need for a more expensive signing.

Rangers are now in a position where they can shift their focus to other areas of the squad, potentially investing in reinforcements elsewhere. This is particularly important as they look to build a squad capable of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title and progressing in European competition. The added flexibility of not needing to allocate £2.5 million toward a transfer for Soldo gives Rangers more room to maneuver financially, especially if they are looking to strengthen other areas in the upcoming windows.

The signing of Cameron has also garnered praise from those with intimate knowledge of Scottish football. Former Dundee loanee Scott Allan, who is no stranger to the qualities Cameron brings to the table, spoke highly of the midfielder’s potential impact at Rangers. In an interview with BBC Scotland, Allan expressed his admiration for Cameron, stating that he is exactly the type of player that Rangers need. Allan highlighted Cameron’s ability to always be involved in play, looking to receive the ball, drive the team forward, and create opportunities for his teammates—traits that should excite Rangers fans. The fact that Cameron has been so highly regarded by players and coaches alike in Scottish football only further reinforces the sense that this is a smart, forward-thinking acquisition for Rangers.

There’s no question that Lyall Cameron is a player with significant potential. If he can maintain his form from Dundee and adapt quickly to the pressures of playing at Ibrox, he could very well become one of the standout signings of the season. His ability to contribute goals from midfield, coupled with his work rate and creative flair, makes him an ideal fit for Rangers’ current needs. Furthermore, by securing Cameron at such a low price, Rangers have effectively made a move that could prove to be a masterstroke both on and off the pitch, saving themselves a potentially much larger outlay down the line while strengthening their midfield with a talented and dynamic player.

As the season progresses and Rangers look to mount a challenge for the league title, the addition of Lyall Cameron could very well prove to be one of the key pieces in their push for success. If his early form is anything to go by, Rangers supporters can look forward to seeing a player who could bring something special to the midfield, providing the creativity, energy, and goal-scoring threat that has been missing from the team’s engine room for some time.