Rangers defend loan strategy after £35m net spend

The Ibrox club explains its rebuilding plan as it hinges on a mix of spend and loans under new owners.

Rangers defend loan strategy after £35m net spend

Rangers’ new sporting director Kevin Thelwell spoke about a busy window and the club’s ongoing rebuild. He confirmed a net spend of around £35 million this summer and defended the use of loan players as part of a wider strategy under manager Russell Martin. The club has endured a difficult start to the campaign with multiple draws and a heavy European defeat, testing both the players and the leadership. Thelwell argues that the changes aim to build a competitive squad and a culture fans can be proud of, while acknowledging the need for results to follow the promised values of honesty, hard work and resilience.

Thelwell says the signings create balance by mixing youth with experience and notes ownership support as a key driver of the plan. He addresses concerns about left back depth and notes that some of the loans come with options to buy, part of a market approach focused on learning before committing. The recruitment includes young talents and higher‑level players, with market choices made in collaboration with his technical team. He stresses that the club cannot fund every move and that loan with an option provides flexibility while expanding access to players from the English market and beyond.

Rangers face a delicate balancing act between quick fixes and long term stability. Thelwell’s defense of loans mirrors a broader trend among clubs with new owners trying to mitigate risk while pursuing growth. If results remain inconsistent, the plan could provoke renewed scrutiny from fans and potential investors who want clarity about sustainability and timeline. The strategy hinges on building a core group capable of evolving with the club, not just splashing cash for immediate impact.

The left back gap remains a sticking point that could test the squad’s depth this season. Chermiti’s high price tag and other English market deals highlight both ambition and risk, especially in a league where margins are tight and opposing teams are financially resilient. Rangers must convert potential into performances and keep faith with a strategy that prioritises development alongside senior leadership. Success will be judged less by headline spend and more by a cohesive, winning side that can endure pressure across competitions.

Highlights

Time will reveal whether the plan translates into consistent performances.