Rangers Plot Surprise Reunion With This Former Academy Graduate: Smart Move From McInnes?

Rangers Plot Surprise Reunion With This Former Academy Graduate: Smart Move From McInnes? If a recent report from Rangers Review is believed to be true, Rangers are closing in on a reunion with Ross McCrorie. The Bristol City defender officially left his boyhood club in 2021, but could now return to Ibrox, as the Glasgow giants have fended off interest from Championship clubs to secure his services this summer. The 28-year-old two-time Scotland international progressed through the Light Blues’ academy ranks and was eventually loaned out to Ayr United and Dumbarton, respectively, for first-team football. McCrorie was gradually integrated into the senior squad and was deployed sporadically before featuring frequently in 2018-19 under Steven Gerrard. However, the Scotsman was loaned out once again, this time to Portsmouth in the third tier of English football. He returned to Scotland ahead of the 2020-21 season, but Gerrard sanctioned his move to Aberdeen following Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun’s arrivals. The Dons made the deal permanent for €225k and sold him to the Robins in June 2023 for a fee of around €2.30m. Why Rangers Have Made A Smart Move The versatile defensive ace has appeared 89 times for the EFL Championship side over the past three campaigns. Although they have triggered the one-year extension of his contract at Ashton Gate, Rangers are still expected to land him, with Bristol City potentially preferring a minuscule fee over losing him for nothing next summer. GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 29: Ross McCrorie and Scott Arfield of Rangers celebrate at the final whistle as Rangers beat Celtic 1-0 during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on December 29, 2018, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) McCrorie would become the Gers’ second summer signing after Lawrence Shankland. The appointment of Derek McInnes as the new Rangers boss must have played a key role in snapping him up, as the former Aberdeen chief helped the defender develop his game during their Pittodrie days. What McCrorie Would Offer Under McInnes Early trends suggest that Rangers are building a Scottish core under McInnes. They also needed reinforcements at the back, particularly after James Tavernier’s departure. Max Aarons and Jayden Meghoma have returned to their parent clubs upon the expiration of their season-long loans. Also, persistent injury problems prevented Dujon Sterling from featuring week in and week out as a right fullback. McCrorie, who impressed as a wing-back from both flanks, would offer a great balance between defence and attack. He could slot in as a deep-lying playmaker, a wide centre-back in a ‘back three’ set-up, or a more traditional full-back, allowing the gaffer to tweak the shape and structure. With 3 goals and 6 assists last season in 39 league outings, McCrorie should offer flair and firepower with his marauding runs and crosses down the wide. His homecoming would boost the Rangers’ redemption, provided they strengthen themselves across the pitch to redeem the lost glory and dethrone Celtic from the perch.