Rangers Face January Transfer Dilemma Over 23-Year-Old Winger: Should McInnes Sell?

Rangers Face January Transfer Dilemma Over 23-Year-Old Winger: Should McInnes Sell? Rangers have enjoyed a strong start under Derek McInnes, helping them strengthen their Scottish Premiership title challenge. Back-to-back Old Firm wins against Celtic have raised expectations at Ibrox, while the 4-0 victory over St Johnstone showed the squad’s growing confidence. McInnes has reshaped his options since arriving in June, and competition for attacking places has increased. Daisuke Yokota, Badredine Bouanani and Djeidi Gassama offer alternatives on the wings, leaving McCausland with few opportunities to establish himself in the manager’s plans. The 23-year-old Northern Ireland international scored four goals in 26 appearances during his loan spell at Aris Limassol last season, but he has played only once for Rangers so far this term. That appearance came in August, when he scored during the 5-1 Premier Sports Cup victory over St Mirren. With three established alternatives competing for wide positions, he has struggled to earn further minutes. According to Pete O’Rourke , Rangers want to sell McCausland in January rather than lose him for nothing when his contract expires next summer. However, the winger could reject a winter move and wait until May 2027 to explore his options as a free agent. From January, he can also negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs, giving him more control over his next move. Should Rangers push for a January sale? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JANUARY 12: Ross McCausland of Rangers FC applauds the fans after the William Hill Premiership match between Rangers FC and St. Johnstone FC at Ibrox Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) Rangers have a clear financial incentive to find a buyer, even if the fee falls below their expectations. McCausland has made little contribution this season, and his limited role suggests McInnes sees other wingers as better options for his system. Yet the club cannot force the Northern Irishman to accept a move, leaving negotiations as its only practical route to a sale. That creates a difficult choice for the Ibrox hierarchy. Keeping him until May could mean losing a saleable asset without compensation, while a January departure would free up wages and a squad place. Rangers should seek an acceptable offer early, but a rushed sale at any price would make little sense. McCausland’s contract gives him leverage, and the club must negotiate accordingly. If no suitable offer arrives, the hierarchy may have to accept that the player can choose to see out his deal, even if that leaves Rangers without a transfer fee next summer.