Rangers’ transfer history since their return to the Scottish Premiership in 2016 has been a mix of successes and failures, with some key signings propelling them back to domestic and European prominence, while others proved to be costly mistakes. Their journey back to the top of Scottish football saw them secure the league title in 2021, ending Celtic’s dominance, and reach the Europa League final in 2022. However, their transfer activity played a crucial role in shaping the team’s fortunes, with each season bringing in new faces and departures that significantly impacted the squad.

Here’s a detailed look at Rangers’ transfer history from their promotion year in 2016 to the present day:

2016/17 Season

This was the first season back in the top flight, and Rangers made several signings to strengthen their squad. Some of these transfers, such as Joe Garner (£1.5m) and Jordan Rossiter (£250k), didn’t quite work out as hoped. The club also brought in experienced players like Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar on free transfers, but neither left a lasting impact.

Notable transfers in:

Joe Garner (£1.5m)

Josh Windass (£60k)

Joey Barton (free)

Clint Hill (free)

Niko Kranjcar (free)

Notable transfers out:

Joey Barton (free)

Nicky Law (free)

Cammy Bell (free)

2017/18 Season

Rangers tried to bolster their squad further, but this period was marked by several high-profile transfer failures. Players such as Carlos Pena (£2.2m) and Eduardo Herrera (£1.5m) struggled to justify their price tags. However, Alfredo Morelos (£1m) was an inspired signing who went on to become one of Rangers’ key players over the next few years.

Notable transfers in:

Carlos Pena (£2.2m)

Alfredo Morelos (£1m)

Bruno Alves (undisclosed)

Graham Dorrans (£1.3m)

Notable transfers out:

Billy Gilmour (£500k) (sold to Chelsea)

Joe Garner (undisclosed)

Barrie McKay (£500k)

2018/19 Season

This season saw the arrival of key players like Borna Barisic (£2.2m) and Connor Goldson (£3m), both of whom played crucial roles in Rangers’ future success. The club also brought in Steven Davis and Jermain Defoe on loan deals, both of whom added experience and quality to the squad.

Notable transfers in:

Borna Barisic (£2.2m)

Connor Goldson (£3m)

Scott Arfield (free)

Allan McGregor (free)

Ryan Kent (loan)

Notable transfers out:

Josh Windass (£2.5m)

Declan John (£800k)

2019/20 Season

This season was defined by a mix of young talents and experienced players. Joe Aribo (£300k) turned out to be a bargain signing, playing a key role in Rangers’ midfield. Ryan Kent also returned on a permanent deal for £7m, cementing his place in the squad.

Notable transfers in:

Joe Aribo (£300k)

Filip Helander (£3.5m)

Ryan Kent (£7m)

Notable transfers out:

Eros Grezda (£1.75m)

Daniel Candeias (£250k)

2020/21 Season

This was Rangers’ title-winning season, and the club made some smart acquisitions. Ianis Hagi (£3m) was a standout addition, while Calvin Bassey (£230k) turned out to be a steal, eventually being sold for £19.6m.

Notable transfers in:

Ianis Hagi (£3m)

Calvin Bassey (£230k)

Kemar Roofe (£4m)

Notable transfers out:

Greg Docherty (£400k)

Ross McCrorie (£350k)

2021/22 Season

Rangers enjoyed a strong European campaign, reaching the Europa League final, and made some notable signings. However, the loss of Nathan Patterson to Everton for £16m was a significant departure.

Notable transfers in:

Juninho Bacuna (undisclosed)

John Lundstram (free)

Aaron Ramsey (loan)

Notable transfers out:

Nathan Patterson (£16m)

Jermain Defoe (released)

2022/23 Season

This was a mixed season for Rangers. They brought in several signings like Ridvan Yilmaz (£5m) and Ben Davies (£4m), but the sales of Calvin Bassey (£19.6m) and Joe Aribo (£10m) weakened the squad.

Notable transfers in:

Ridvan Yilmaz (£5m)

Ben Davies (£4m)

Todd Cantwell (£1.5m)

Notable transfers out:

Calvin Bassey (£19.6m)

Joe Aribo (£10m)

2023/24 Season

Rangers made big changes to their squad, bringing in Cyriel Dessers (£4.5m) and Danilo (£6m) as attacking options. However, their performances were inconsistent, and several players left, including Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent.

Notable transfers in:

Cyriel Dessers (£4.5m)

Danilo (£6m)

Abdallah Sima (loan)

Notable transfers out:

Glen Kamara (£5.5m)

Alfredo Morelos (free)

Ryan Kent (free)

2024/25 Season

Rangers have continued their squad overhaul this season with a mix of signings, including Mohamed Diomande (£4.3m) and Nedim Bajrami (£3.4m). Several long-serving players like Borna Barisic and Ryan Jack were released.

Notable transfers in:

Mohamed Diomande (£4.3m)

Nedim Bajrami (£3.4m)

Hamza Igamane (£1.7m)

Notable transfers out:

Todd Cantwell (£500k)

Connor Goldson (£1.4m)

John Lundstram (released)

Summary

Rangers’ transfer history since 2016 has been a rollercoaster, with some excellent signings helping them reclaim their position at the top of Scottish football, while others turned out to be major flops. The likes of Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey were among their best signings, while costly errors like Carlos Pena, Eduardo Herrera, and Eros Grezda remain cautionary tales.

The club continues to rebuild in 2024, and it remains to be seen whether the latest signings will help them compete with Celtic for domestic dominance and make a deeper impact in European competitions.