“Rangers Urged to Make Key Signing to Maximize Mohamed Diomande’s Impact in Celtic Title Challenge”

Rangers’ recent performances in Old Firm clashes suggest the gap between them and Celtic may not be as insurmountable as some believe.

In their last three meetings, Rangers have secured two convincing victories with a combined score of 6-2 and only narrowly lost in the League Cup final via a penalty shootout.

For the second time this year, Rangers emerged victorious against Celtic in a Premiership showdown.

Sunday’s dramatic win at Parkhead, sealed by Hamza Igamane’s stunning late goal, may not have been as dominant as their emphatic 3-0 triumph earlier in 2025, but it was still a significant statement.

At halftime, Rangers led by two goals at a stadium where they had not suffered defeat since the Steven Gerrard era.

The 16-point gap between the teams before kickoff seemed irrelevant as Rangers asserted themselves once again in a crucial encounter.

Rangers Urged to Strengthen Midfield Despite Raskin and Diomande’s Form

Former Rangers striker Gordon Dalziel believes the impending San Francisco 49ers takeover could be a game-changer for the club, potentially propelling them back to the top of Scottish football.

The additional financial backing could provide director of football Nils Koppen—who has already impressed in the transfer market—the means to reinforce key areas of the squad.

On the surface, midfield does not appear to be a major concern. Nico Raskin is enjoying a superb run of form, Connor Barron has rediscovered his confidence, and Mohamed Diomande is thriving in a more advanced role.

Additionally, 18-year-old Bailey Rice is making a strong impression behind the scenes, while Lyall Cameron is set to join from Dundee in the summer.

Despite this, former Celtic defender Mark Wilson believes Rangers still lack a true creative playmaker.

While both Raskin and Diomande found the net at Celtic Park, Wilson argues that the team needs a specialist attacking midfielder capable of consistently linking their aggressive midfield to the forwards, whether it be Igamane or Cyriel Dessers.

“Raskin has improved his goal-scoring and his forward runs, but he’s never going to be that pure creative force,” Wilson explained.

“And while Rangers are seeing the best of Diomande in the current system, they still need to invest in an attacking midfielder if they have funds available in the summer.”

Hagi and Lawrence Face Uncertain Futures at Ibrox

Ianis Hagi has been one of Rangers’ standout performers since his return to the squad in the autumn.

However, his contract expires this summer, leaving his future uncertain.

Injury-prone Tom Lawrence is in the same situation, while Nedim Bajrami’s form has dipped following a bright start to his Rangers career.

Moreover, while Rangers have impressed in high-profile away fixtures at Celtic and Fenerbahce, they continue to struggle against sides that defend deep and hit on the counter.

This inconsistency has already cost them crucial points in the title race—just two weeks ago, Motherwell spoiled Philippe Clement’s return to Ibrox with a shock result.

If Rangers are serious about mounting a sustained title challenge in the 2025/26 season, they cannot afford to keep dropping points against teams like Motherwell, St Mirren, Kilmarnock, and Dundee.

“I know Hagi is there, and he’s done well,” Wilson continued. “But Tom Lawrence hasn’t been the solution.

If Rangers want to compete with Celtic and take control of the midfield, they need a proper number ten to complement Diomande.”

With the summer transfer window approaching and financial backing potentially on the horizon, Rangers may have the perfect opportunity to address this key issue and ensure they are fully equipped to compete at the highest level next season.