Pedro Caixinha’s tenure at Rangers is widely regarded as one of the club’s most disastrous managerial reigns. The Portuguese coach arrived at Ibrox in March 2017, replacing caretaker boss Graeme Murty, and was handed the responsibility of rebuilding the squad to challenge Celtic’s dominance. However, his tenure lasted just seven months, with a string of poor performances, embarrassing results, and failed signings leading to his dismissal in October 2017.
One of the most significant aspects of Caixinha’s time at Rangers was his summer transfer window in 2017. Given full control over recruitment, he made 11 signings, spending over £9 million in an attempt to overhaul the squad. While a couple of these signings proved to be valuable assets in the long run, the majority were expensive failures that left the club reeling.
The Best Signings
Alfredo Morelos (£1m – HJK Helsinki)
Without a doubt, Caixinha’s greatest signing was Alfredo Morelos. Arriving from Finnish side HJK Helsinki for a modest £1 million fee, Morelos became one of Rangers’ most influential players over the next six seasons. Despite his inconsistency and well-documented disciplinary issues, he was a prolific goal scorer, netting 124 goals in 269 appearances. His performances in Europe, particularly in the Europa League, played a major role in Rangers’ resurgence under Steven Gerrard.
Morelos’ value skyrocketed during his time at Ibrox, and although Rangers eventually let him leave on a free transfer in 2023, he provided years of quality performances and was a major success compared to most of Caixinha’s other signings.
Ryan Jack (Free – Aberdeen)
Another bright spot from Caixinha’s transfer window was Ryan Jack. Signed on a free transfer from Aberdeen, Jack quickly became a key figure in Rangers’ midfield. His combative style, leadership, and ability to dictate the tempo of games made him an important player, especially under Steven Gerrard.
Jack made over 200 appearances for Rangers and was instrumental in their title-winning campaign of 2020-21, when they went unbeaten in the league. Given that he arrived on a free transfer, he was undoubtedly one of the best pieces of business done during Caixinha’s tenure.
Daniel Candeias (£700k – Benfica)
Portuguese winger Daniel Candeias was another relatively successful signing. He may not have been a world-beater, but he provided width, energy, and a decent attacking threat, registering 14 goals and 27 assists in 97 appearances. His work rate and ability to stretch defences made him a useful player, particularly in the early stages of Gerrard’s tenure.
Candeias left Rangers in 2019, but for a £700k signing, he provided good value and was one of the few that could be considered a success.
The Disastrous Signings
Carlos Peña (£3.2m – Guadalajara)
By far the biggest failure of Caixinha’s time at Rangers was the signing of Carlos Peña. The Mexican midfielder arrived with high expectations, but his time in Glasgow was an absolute disaster. Struggling with fitness, form, and discipline, Peña made just 14 appearances before being loaned out to clubs in Mexico.
His off-field issues, including reported struggles with alcohol, meant he never came close to justifying his massive £3.2 million price tag. Eventually, his contract was terminated, making him one of the worst signings in Rangers’ history.
Eduardo Herrera (£1.5m – Pumas UNAM)
Another expensive flop was Eduardo Herrera, who was brought in from Pumas UNAM for £1.5 million. The Mexican striker managed just two goals in 24 appearances before being loaned out and eventually released. Much like Peña, he struggled to adapt to Scottish football, and his signing was a huge waste of money.
Fabio Cardoso (£1.3m – Vitória de Setúbal)
Portuguese defender Fabio Cardoso arrived with some promise, but he never settled in Glasgow. He made just 18 appearances before leaving after one season. His most memorable moment in a Rangers shirt was suffering a broken nose in a heavy defeat to Motherwell. He left the club in 2018, and his time at Ibrox is largely forgotten.
Graham Dorrans (£1.3m – Norwich City)
Dorrans was expected to be a solid midfield addition, bringing Premier League experience to the squad. However, injuries plagued his time at Ibrox, and he only managed 23 appearances before leaving in 2019. Given his injury struggles and inability to make a significant impact, he turned out to be another disappointing signing.
Bruno Alves (Undisclosed – Cagliari)
Bruno Alves was one of the more high-profile names brought in by Caixinha. A veteran Portuguese international, he was expected to add experience and leadership to Rangers’ defence. However, while he had some decent moments, he was past his best and failed to stabilize the backline.
After just one season, Alves left for Parma, and his time at Rangers is largely remembered as a disappointment.
The Forgettable Loans
Caixinha also brought in several loan signings, none of whom made a lasting impact.
Dalcio (Benfica) – Made just three appearances before disappearing from the squad.
Aaron Nemane (Manchester City) – Played six times and failed to impress.
Declan John (Cardiff City) – The only decent loanee, he played 31 games and did well before moving on permanently.
Conclusion
Pedro Caixinha’s transfer window in the summer of 2017 was, for the most part, a disaster. While Ryan Jack, Alfredo Morelos, and Daniel Candeias were good signings, the majority of his recruits failed miserably. The £3.2m spent on Carlos Peña and the £1.5m wasted on Eduardo Herrera were particularly damaging, while the likes of Fabio Cardoso, Graham Dorrans, and Bruno Alves also failed to live up to expectations.
Caixinha’s reign ended in embarrassment, but the few gems he signed—especially Morelos—helped Rangers rebuild under Steven Gerrard. Ultimately, his tenure will be remembered for its chaos, poor results, and wasteful spending.