The next Alan Hutton: Rangers could bring "aggressive" SPFL star to Ibrox

Glasgow Rangers head into the final Old Firm clash of the season with nothing but pride at stake.

The same was said about the two previous matches against Celtic in the Premiership since the start of January, and the Light Blues won both. Indeed, the 3-0 and 3–2 victories are arguably the highlights of an otherwise dismal season that will see the club finish trophyless for the second time in three seasons.

Could there be light at the end of the tunnel for the Ibrox side, however? As it appears as though the potential takeover of the club by the 49ers Enterprises is nearing completion.

Key members of the US consortium were given a tour of Ibrox during the week, with Andrew Cavenagh, Leeds United chairman, Paraag Marathe and 49ers director Raminder Dhadwal all being shown around the stadium.

This could be the jolt the club needs to emerge from their recent malaise and start challenging Celtic for domestic supremacy once again.

A new permanent manager is top of the priority list heading into the summer. That’s for certain. Once this decision has been made, building a squad capable of winning trophies will be vital this summer.

The club have been linked with a few players already, even though there are still a few weeks left until the transfer window opens. One of those targets could prove to be the next Alan Hutton.

Alan Hutton’s Rangers statistics

Since Hutton departed Ibrox in 2008, only Nathan Patterson has come close to becoming the next academy right-back to turn into a first-team star.

The Scot made his debut for the club during the 2002/03 season, but it wasn’t until Alex McLeish began unleashing him on a regular basis two years later that his development properly began.

Indeed, the defender made 12 appearances that term, and it would have been more had he not suffered a broken leg against Kilmarnock in February. This ruled him out of the successful league title conclusion, but he was back to his best the following season.

Three appearances in the Champions League gave him experience of playing against the top players in Europe, and during the 2007/08 season, he looked the part as Rangers drew 0-0 with Barcelona at Ibrox.

By then, his performances were beginning to turn heads, and it was clear that Hutton would be moving onto bigger and better things sooner rather than later.

In January 2008, Tottenham Hotspur made a bid of around £9m for the Scot and this was too good to turn down.

It stood as the club’s record sale until Patterson joined Everton 14 years later. Hutton’s attacking abilities were often on show at Ibrox, but he could defend well, too, that’s for sure.

Bringing in a player of that ilk would certainly boost the Glasgow side next season…

Rangers search for new signings

Much will depend on just how much money the new manager will have to spend this summer, as this could dictate his transfer strategy. Splashing millions on big-name imports hasn’t worked out well for the Gers in recent years. Could this point to a new direction this year?

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to a report from the Rangers Review earlier this month, the club are showing interest in signing Dundee starlet Josh Mulligan.

Taking to X, journalist Joshua Barrie said: “Rangers are interested in Dundee’s Josh Mulligan. 22-yo is out of contract at Dens this summer and on the club’s radar.”

The Gers have already secured the services of Lyall Cameron on a pre-contract agreement. Could Mulligan be the next bright Scottish talent to make the move to Glasgow?

With European football and the chance of winning trophies, it is a move that should see the versatile player continue his excellent development.

James Tavernier doesn’t have long left at the club, and by signing Mulligan, the Ibrox outfit may unearth their next Hutton.

Why Rangers should sign Josh Mulligan

Mulligan has impressed for a Dundee side who have struggled throughout the majority of the 2024/25 campaign. At the time of writing, they currently occupy tenth place in the Premiership table.

Five assists in 36 matches is a decent tally, especially for someone still learning after every single match.

Kai Watson, a Scottish analyst and scout, lavished plenty of praise on Mulligan amid the reported interest from the Glasgow side, saying: “Been a fan of Josh Mulligan for a while now and think signing him on a free would be smart business for Rangers.

“An aggressive, high-energy wingback/CM that’s consistently improving technically and in the final third. Future Scotland international for me.”

High praise indeed, and there would be no better place than Ibrox for the young player to further showcase his potential.

Like Hutton, the Dundee man offers plenty going forward. Across his 30 top-flight matches this season, the 22-year-old has created nine big chances, averages one key pass and one successful dribble per match.

He might not score or assist as often as Tavernier, but Mulligan gets into the final third regularly, providing plenty of support for those higher up the pitch.

Defensively, the Scot wins 5.2 total duels per game along with making 1.9 tackles, 1.5 clearances and recovering 4.7 balls per match in the Scottish top flight this term.

As a long-term heir to Tavernier, signing Mulligan on a free transfer makes perfect sense; that much is certain. By doing so, they will be bringing in a highly motivated, intelligent and versatile player who can perform in a plethora of positions on the pitch.

All of this without even spending a penny. Getting this deal done sooner rather than later might be crucial, as there could be more clubs interested as the weeks go by.

It will be a step in the right direction, securing the services of another homegrown player, as this will be vital for European squad quotas next season.

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