Rangers have returned north following a week-long training camp at St George’s Park, with plenty for fans to digest. While the squad worked hard on the training pitches, the absence of several first-team names, transfer movements, and tactical tweaks gave us a clearer idea of Russell Martin’s early thinking ahead of a crucial few weeks.
Notable Absentees from Rangers Training Camp – And What It Could Mean
The likes of Ben Davies, Leon King, Clinton Nsiala, and Jose Cifuentes were not part of the travelling group. Russell Martin confirmed that Robin Pröpper is closing in on a move to FC Twente, but the other omissions are just as telling — it seems clear that none are likely to feature heavily this season.
Interestingly, when Martin was asked directly if the club would need to bring in defensive reinforcements should Davies, King and Nsiala all depart, he said no, insisting he had enough cover. On the surface, that sounds definitive — but in reality, it feels more like classic manager speak, particularly while transfer negotiations are ongoing. The reality? Rangers do look light at centre-back, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see movement there soon. The rumour of Conor Cody joining Rangers, with reports suggesting Leicester City may have moved the goalposts after what initially seemed like an agreed deal.
Nsiala: A Case for Staying?
Clinton Nsiala is one that splits opinion. Yes, he was caught out physically on occasion last season, particularly under pressure. But equally, he showed good composure in possession, has recovery pace, and demonstrated a progressive range of passing. Martin has said he needs to be playing games — and that’s fair. A loan deal feels like the smart option. But if Rangers allow him to leave permanently, this may well be a decision we come to regret in a couple of seasons.
Davies, Cifuentes, and the King Dilemma
Ben Davies was strongly linked with Birmingham City earlier in the window, though that trail has since gone quiet. The sooner he departs, the better for all parties — it’s obvious he has no future at Ibrox.
The same goes for Jose Cifuentes, whose Ibrox career has never really got going.
Leon King is the trickiest of the bunch. Once hailed as the next big thing from the academy, he was reportedly placed on a £10,000/week wage package — huge for a youth player. Now, after failing to kick on, Rangers are left with a player on big wages and few suitors. A loan last season saw Rangers still cover the majority of his salary. Unless a club takes a punt, expect more of the same this time around.
Training Intensity Steps Up Under Martin
There’s been a noticeable shift in training methods since Martin’s arrival. From public clips shared by the club, the sessions have looked far more intense and structured.
- Goalkeepers are involved in passing drills
- Players have been pushed through mid-session running blocks
- There’s a strong focus on set-pieces and tactical walkthroughs
- Martin has also touched on the importance of the so-called “dark arts” — something Rangers have lacked in recent seasons
Behind Closed Doors: Rangers 1-1 Barnsley
A behind-the-scenes friendly against Barnsley ended 1-1. From the limited highlights, the pressing intensity looked promising and the side created some decent chances. But just like the Club Brugge match, the lack of firepower up front was evident.
With Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane still on their own tailored fitness programmes and no replacement yet for Vaclav Cerny, it’s no real surprise.
The goal Rangers conceded was exactly the kind of thing we have warned about. High line, turnover in possession, and Kelly [thanks to MMack for correction] caught in no man’s land. It’s a risk/reward system — and we saw the downside.
Transfers: Gassama Close, Turgeman Waiting in the Wings?
Rangers are still active in the transfer market, but the clock is ticking. The Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos is now just nine days away — and there’s still work to be done.
- Djeidi Gassama looks close. Martin said all the paperwork on Rangers’ side was complete, and the deal should be finalised soon.
- Rangers are still targeting wide players — with Dor Turgeman reportedly the top choice if Igamane moves on this window.
Progress in these areas has been slower than some of the earlier deals — but with the qualifiers looming, Rangers can’t afford to wait much longer.
Final Thoughts
St George’s Park gave us a first real look at Russell Martin’s Rangers. The training intensity is up, the tactics are changing, and a squad refresh is well underway. But with some key positions still light — particularly up front and at centre-back — the next week could be absolutely vital.
Let’s hope the club can land the final pieces of the puzzle before Panathinaikos comes to town.
What to keep reading more? Check out some of our other latest articles!
- Rangers Eye Xavier Mbuyamba as Volendam Open to €500k Exit
- Rangers Sign Djeidi Gassama: Direct, Dynamic and Full of Pace
- Rangers Wrap Up St George’s Park Camp: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and What We Learned
- Rangers Weigh Up Move for Hull City Winger Abu Kamara Amid Right-Sided Void
- Rangers Accept FC Twente Bid for Robin Propper as Defender Nears Ibrox Exit
💙 Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates, live reactions, and more fan coverage.
📲 Don’t forget to like and share! #Rangers #RangersFC #ScottishPremiership