Rangers have begun planning ahead for a busy summer transfer window with the San Francisco 49ers likely to be the new owners by then.
The NFL giants have agreed a deal in principle for the takeover and aim to finalise it in the coming weeks.
Patrick Stewart is aiming to make new appointments behind the scenes including that of a sporting director.
Nils Koppen responsible for squad building and recruitment this summer at Rangers
It is going to be a busy summer at Ibrox, especially with new owners in charge looking to make wholesale changes.
One thing that does not appear to change, at least for the time being, is the role of Nils Koppen.
Despite the club looking for a sporting director, with Ross Wilson not replaced since he left for Nottingham Forest, Koppen will handle the ins and outs in the transfer window.
Chris Jack wrote in the Rangers Review on 21 March: “Clubs are normally well into their summer plan by the time the clocks go back in March and while plenty of background work and planning continues at Ibrox, staff are still planning for a variety of outcomes.
“It is true that Nils Koppen, the club’s technical director, remains in place responsible for squad building and recruitment.
Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny’s deals must become transfer blueprints
Koppen faces a critical period from now until the end of the summer transfer window, with the San Francisco 49ers’ impending takeover adding complexity to his role.
Tasked with squad building and recruitment, he must finalise a strategic plan to strengthen Rangers’ roster while aligning with the club’s ambitions under potential new ownership.
His immediate priority is to identify key targets – young, dynamic players with resale potential and experienced additions to balance the squad – building on successes like Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny.
With the transfer window opening in June and closing in late August, he must accelerate scouting efforts, leveraging data-driven analysis and his network to pinpoint prospects.
Negotiations will be crucial, as he manages a budget that may shift with the 49ers’ input, ensuring cost-effective signings that enhance competitiveness in domestic and European competitions.
Simultaneously, Koppen must oversee potential outgoings, replacing departing players to maintain squad depth.
Coordination with Barry Ferguson or whoever the permanent manager is, and incoming sporting director appointees will be vital to align recruitment with tactical needs.
By late summer, Koppen aims to deliver a refreshed squad ready for the 2025-26 season, cementing his influence amidst Ibrox’s evolving leadership landscape.
