02 Jul 2026 16:15:35
Over in France on holiday and this story seems to be doing the rounds. I've used Gemini to translate: Rangers have reportedly entered the race for highly-rated ESTAC Troyes central defenderSankhoun Diawara.
Here is what we know so far:
The Player is a 20-year-old French youth international who became a breakout star in the second half of the season for Troyes, helping them secure promotion to Ligue 1.
The Competition: FC Basel have made him a priority and were advanced in talks, but Rangers' sudden entry has shaken up the race.
The Situation:Despite Troyes going up to the top flight, Diawara is heavily tipped for a move this summer, and Ibrox chiefs are said to be "closely monitoring" his situation.
Verdict: A young, high-potential centre back fits the modern Rangers recruitment model perfectly. Keep an eye on this one.
What are our thoughts on this one, while getting experience in the door is a priority this could be a good prospect. Would still like to see Nsiala under McInnes as had high hopes for the boy. Could be Would he be a good addition to the backline behind three more experienced CBs.
Agree0
02 Jul 2026 20:24:42
Dare I say it. 🙈
He might be seen as young squad player, get him in amongst the squad, gets some minutes and build up his confidence and playing time.
Can't believe I'm actually opening myself up to this again. 🤣
02 Jul 2026 15:12:39
Just watched the USA v Bosnia highlights.
That was some tackle that got Balogun sent off but not entirely sure he meant it?
And an ex-Loan Ranger in Tillman on the scoresheet with a free kick that the keeper should have done better with. Do we get any money in add ons for him scoring😜😉😜.
Agree0
02 Jul 2026 15:56:02
Made me a tidy profit with his goal, and so did the red.
02 Jul 2026 16:13:23
They'll definitely miss him against Belgium, MyStar.
Though it's amazing to think Messi escaped punishment for similar.
02 Jul 2026 18:10:36
We get £1.50 and a lucky dip for Saturday's lottery draw.
02 Jul 2026 13:26:07
Anyone know about Vanja Dragojevic 20 yr old cm.
Agree0
02 Jul 2026 16:48:56
I've just contacted some friends in Belgrade.
Partizan have money problems, they would sell if price is right.
They rate the guy and would be sad to lose him.
01 Jul 2026 22:18:52
Belgium have to be one of the most overrated teams in football, they have decent players & a world class, a bit past it De Bruyne but are hardly the brilliant team pundits & others claim.
Agree4
01 Jul 2026 23:57:59
They have a population of what 10 million and got extremely lucky with a wonderful golden generation but they'll probably have another shortly because the country invests time and resources into their grass routes unlike Scotland.
02 Jul 2026 01:12:49
The team you watched tonight are past it. The team they had 4 years ago was a brilliant team.
02 Jul 2026 08:28:02
Credit to Raskin last night. I thought Belgium looked far better after he came on. Thought Tielemans looked terrible until Raskin was there. Felt a wee bit sorry for Senegal tbh. The Belgian team nowhere near as good as 4-8 years ago, but they are through to last 16.
02 Jul 2026 11:08:20
Still through to last 16 for a pretty small nation, really there doing very well. Scottish football miles behind. Utter shame that Scotland has never made it out of a group stage at a tourny.
02 Jul 2026 11:19:41
Belgium have plenty up and coming younger players.
02 Jul 2026 12:08:46
Belgium win because Lakaku frightened the life out of them. Had nothing to do with Raskin. He played okay but didn't have much of an impact on the game.
01 Jul 2026 20:58:50
Ed, hope you don't mind me asking
Can we get a Rangers Optimists page set up for us positive folk? 😎😅
There's so much doom and gloom around here just now. 🤷♂️
Not every signing has to be a marquee, headline grabbing name.
Sometimes you need to build the foundations first. The players we've brought in so far look like they're being signed with a clear purpose to create a robust, hard-working squad that's willing to fight for each other and put the team first.
That's something we've been lacking for a good few years.
Let's give DM and the chairman the chance to build the squad they want before judging it. The transfer window isn't finished yet, and none of us know what the strongest starting 11 will look like by the time the season kicks off.
For the first time in a while, I actually feel there's a proper plan in place, and I'm choosing to be optimistic rather than writing it off before we've even kicked a ball.
So come on,
Let's go 💙.
Agree5
01 Jul 2026 22:45:58
Can't build anything If there isn't a strong foundation. 😀
01 Jul 2026 23:14:34
Sorry, I'm an optimist who believes in building foundations, but calling these "squad players" as an excuse is laughable. I actually think all four will be expected to start. I just expected higher-quality replacements for our #2 and #6. The ideal team should be greater than the sum of its parts, but only time will tell if that is the case with this group.
Still, I'll back them and see how it goes. We don't need flash marquee signing, just the right pieces that actually fit together well, but that takes time and patience, which I am more than happy to give. So, because we have a different opinion, doesn't make us any less of a supporter.
02 Jul 2026 07:26:18
Angus, you're the optimist who has now perfectly expressed the glass half empty feelings most of us you've debated against have shown for years. 😂 Could this be the start of swapping roles on here?. 🤔 I believe, depending who we sell, etc, obviously our big signings are still to come and these are solid squad players.
I also don't agree that it's been doom and gloom on here, though. Most seem really pleased with McInnes and atmosphere around the place, but more about reserving judgement based on what's gone before. The future's bright.
02 Jul 2026 07:58:29
Angus, I don't think Stig said anywhere that posters who aren't optimistic are less of a supporter. I disagree also with Stig that it's all doom and gloom. Lots of optimism being shown by quite a few on here.
I do get frustrated with the squad player talk. We need a strong starting 11 and I'm sure some are still to arrive. But we can't have 26 starters or we will end up with a very unhappy group of players.
02 Jul 2026 08:21:27
JFM, I didn't read it as he said he did. All I was really saying (quite badly probably) is that despite being an optimist I see the 4 we have already signed as being starters and not squad players. So possibly mocking myself as an optimist as much as anything.
Yes, we may sign a few better players, but these 4 I think will be starters, hence me saying calling them squad players is wrong; laughable was possibly a bad way of putting it, but I felt it is a definitely what is being said by many in the hope better will come.
That may happen, but I don't think they will be for these positions; well, possibly Neil's.
Kaiser, you are possibly correct re changing, but I see that we don't need marque signings to be a good team. The sum can be more than each of its parts. So I hope McInnes can do what he has in the past and make players and teams better. But until I see evidence of that, I am not entirely convinced. Just needs games to start again, possibly to get my mojo back. 😉
02 Jul 2026 08:58:30
Sterling is never fit and will hopefully leave, which only leaves McCrorie. I like him, but I think we'll also be looking for a starter, so he'll rotate or fill in other positions. Godfrey has hardly played recently and is a bit of a risk imo, but again think we'll sign another starter CB. We have an abundance in CM, with hopefully Fergi or another star to come in, so think Neil will be in rotation.
And same up front. Shankland will rotate with Chermiti / Naderi. I expect some big money signings to come, so don't think calling them squad players is unfair. It just means our squad/bench is much better.
02 Jul 2026 10:59:23
I'm in for the optimistic posts, Rangers happy clappers. 🤣
Somewhere you can be realistic and positive without being told we have no standards by people who think we should win every league and cup (has never been the case), or win Euro trophies all the time (has never been the case).
The dominant 90s wasn't the norm, it was a peak.
02 Jul 2026 11:00:45
Stig, I liked your post. I have called us to be better but have let myself down by being negative and responding to post over the last few weeks.
People entitled to opinions I need to respect that better.
A wee reminder. As the old report card info would say.
Pieter Could do better.
02 Jul 2026 16:31:12
Kaiser, you may be right but I can't see how McInnes wanted McCrorie to be prioritised if he isn't going to be first choice. It is all very well having Rangers minded players around the place but out is on the pitch where they drive the others on. Godfrey played most of the games in the Superliga so has been match fit for their last season.
I would also prefer to spend the £17-20M on 3 or 4 players to bring quality across the team rather than 1 Marquee signing. That is what will drive us forarwd if we get right characters to react with the Gers boys.
So the young lad from Partizan who is captain at 20, Neil who has captained Sunderland. That sort of mentality is what we need.
So yes build foundations but buy a better quality of bricks to do it with. That is all I meant and my apologies, Stig, as I didn't voice it well and am embarassed at my tone in my response. Sometimes I react too quickly and don't re-read my posts. So, again, apologies, Stig, as my post was rash and not in the manner I would want to react.
02 Jul 2026 17:10:31
Don't think there was much wrong with what either of u said. Both putting valid arguments across, without any disrespect.
02 Jul 2026 17:50:09
Neither did I but possibly a bit antsy but want to apologise anyway as don't like bad blood.
02 Jul 2026 20:27:14
Angus, I may read your tone wrong to pal.
So, apologies from me too.
All good, Angus. 💙
01 Jul 2026 20:25:07
Jeez! Spurs aren't messing about are they? 👀
Spurs agree £100m deal to sign Tonali from Newcastle
Latest from Keith Downie and Michael Bridge:
Tottenham have agreed a deal with Newcastle worth up to £100m for Sandro Tonali.
Spurs are set to pay £92.5m plus £7.5m in achievable add-ons.
Agree0
01 Jul 2026 23:15:01
Will now need to see Moore for £30M. 😉
02 Jul 2026 07:26:06
Good if it is, it means he goes elsewhere.
02 Jul 2026 08:22:21
Fork, we are on the same page with that. I like him but prefer Curtis.
02 Jul 2026 11:04:14
Also reported they are signing Fernandez from West Ham for £85m.
01 Jul 2026 20:04:06
Current State of the Squad:
GK:
Ivor Pandur
Liam Kelly
Kieran Wright
Jack Butland (Hull? )
DEF:
Tuur Rommens
Clinton Nsiala
Emmanuel Fernandez
Ben Godfrey (Loan W/Option)
John Souttar
Ross McCrorie
Dujon Sterling
Leon King (OOC? )
MID:
Tochi Chukwuani
Nicolas Raskin
Mohamed Diomandé
Dan Neil
Thelo Aasgaard
Lyall Cameron
Connor Barron
José Cifuentes
Nedim Bajrami
ATT:
Findlay Curtis
Djeidi Gassama
Oliver Antman
Ross McCausland
Lawrence Shankland
Youssef Chermiti
Ryan Naderi
Bojan Miovski
Danilo
I'll try and keep it updated as deals happen and if the Ed's don't mind, I might post once a day or when something actually happens.
Feel free to shout at me for missing something or getting a position wrong.
Agree0
01 Jul 2026 22:32:37
K. Wright & L. King have both left the club.
01 Jul 2026 22:38:50
Thank you Coisty, I'll update that for tomorrow's post.
02 Jul 2026 06:51:40
Butland also left club.
02 Jul 2026 08:06:23
Oscar Cortes, or is he still on loan?