Nils Koppen is addressing a Rangers problem with his summer transfer strategy, according to Derek Ferguson.

It was reported by the Daily Record (10 May) that the Gers’ director of football recruitment has a particular focus on bringing in talent under the age of 24 to Ibrox this summer.

The strategy appears to already be in full flow with Brazilian left-back Jefte already signed and Panama international Jose Cordoba reportedly close to signing on.

Former Rangers man Ferguson was asked if Koppen’s tactic is the right way to go this summer. He thinks the club has to focus on younger players and believes it will stop a trend of senior pros running down contracts.

Speaking to Ibrox News, Ferguson said: “I think in terms of bringing in these guys under the age of 24 it’s absolutely the right way to go.

“But what you need through that side, is three or four of the experienced boys that can steer them through games, you look at these experienced guys who can handle it then they start to take a wee bit of that off them.

“But that’s the way we’ve got to go because the amount of guys who’ve been allowed to run down contracts and just leave, cost us a few bob, that’s going to be addressed thankfully and it’s absolutely the right way to go.

“But with the younger guys that’s something that I think you will learn, these young guys they’ve got these qualities, that’s something you can ingrain in them once you’ve got them in the building, once you’ve got them in the dressing room you can start to embed that into them what it takes, what it’s all about.“

Rangers look to the future under Nils Koppen

To say that Rangers’ recruitment last summer was mixed would be putting it politely and ultimately Michael Beale was given way too much freedom in the market.

Under Koppen, there at least appears to be a strategy and a focus. Whether it comes off in the long term remains to be seen but so far there is a bit more joined-up thinking.

Rangers have for too long continued with the same players, who have flattered to deceive and failed to consistently deliver the big trophies.

Philippe Clement deserves the chance to work with a younger crop, mould them into his own style, and build a real project at Ibrox.

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