Russell Martin may not have been the appointment many Glasgow Rangers supporters wanted, but he has carried himself well when speaking to the media.
The former Southampton manager is keen to bring a positive style of play to the Light Blues ahead of next season, focusing on a high-possession, attacking philosophy that will hopefully make the club perform well domestically.
First things first, he will need new signings, and plenty, if he stands a chance of winning the Premiership title in his first season at Ibrox.
Rangers search for new signings
The Light Blues have been linked with several names recently. Defender Max Aarons is a reported target and would be a fine addition to the squad.
As has Conor Coady, who could add some experience to the heart of the defence for next season.
Bolstering his attacking department is also a priority, and names such as Dor Turgemen and Igor Matanovic have been linked with moves.
Perhaps the most interesting rumour is regarding Matija Frigan. It was reported that the Westerlo striker may cost up to £6m should Martin look to bring the player to Glasgow this summer.
Having scored 14 goals last term, it wouldn’t be a bad piece of business for sure. But does Martin have the cash available to make such signings?
Or will he be forced to cash in on some of his prized assets to fund potential transfers? Especially someone like Mohamed Diomande, who could command a massive fee.
Rangers have struck gold on Mohammed Diomande
While it may cost around £6m to sign the Croatian hitman ahead of the 2025/25 campaign, Diomande is worth over three times more due to his impressive performances.
He moved to Rangers for just £4.3m from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in January 2024, and he emerged as a key player under Philippe Clement.
Despite the club performing poorly last term, the Ivorian was in fine form. He registered 15 goal contributions – six goals and nine assists – across 54 matches. Not only that, but the midfielder also created 11 big chances, averaged 1.1 key passes, and won 55% of his total duels per game in the top flight.
It is no wonder he was hailed as the “complete” midfielder then by analyst John Walker just last month, and he could turn out to be the club’s next big sale.
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
4
1
Assists
7
2
Big chances created
11
3
Total duels won per game
4.3
5.3
Balls recovered per game
4.1
4.7
Via Sofascore
According to Football Transfers, Diomande is currently valued at €9.3m (£8m), and this is rising exponentially.
This means he is valued at £2m more than the reported target Frigan, but if Martin wishes to sell the Ivorian starlet, then teams may have to pay over the odds to convince the Light Blues to part ways with him.
Whatever happens in the near future, whether it is this summer or next, the Light Blues have hit the jackpot on a player who could make them a fortune given what he is now worth in comparison to the fee that they paid for his services last year.
Will the new manager cash in when the iron is hot? Or wait and see if his price increases?
Only time will tell.
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