Rabiu AminuRangers Poised to Seal Josh Windass Return Ahead of Old Firm ShowdownIn a dramatic boost for Rangers fans, the Ibrox club is reportedly on the brink of completing a sensational return for former star Josh Windass from Wrexham, just hours before their high-stakes clash with Celtic at Celtic Park. With the January transfer window freshly opened, head coach Danny Röhl has moved swiftly to bolster his squad, aiming to inject fresh energy into a team chasing the Scottish Premiership title.
Windass, the 31-year-old English forward, left Rangers in 2018 after a memorable spell that included 19 goals in 73 appearances, helping the club navigate their post-relegation rebuild. Since then, he’s thrived in England, notably at Sheffield Wednesday before joining Hollywood-backed Wrexham in League One. His versatility as a winger or attacking midfielder, combined with his proven goal-scoring prowess, makes him an ideal fit for Röhl’s dynamic system. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that wage hurdles, previously a sticking point, have been overcome, with Rangers potentially offloading underperforming striker Danilo to fund the deal. Danilo, signed for £6 million in 2023, has struggled with injuries and form, featuring sparingly under the new regime.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. Today’s Old Firm derby, kicking off at 12:30 pm, pits Rangers against a dominant Celtic side leading the league. Röhl, who has emphasized working “24/7” on transfers, sees Windass as a key addition to provide depth amid injuries and a packed fixture list. “We have players in mind who can make an immediate impact,” Röhl stated in a recent press conference, hinting at urgency before upcoming games against Aberdeen.
If finalized, Windass could even be registered in time for a potential bench role, though that’s optimistic given the tight deadline. His return would evoke nostalgia, recalling his iconic goals in derbies past, including a stunning strike against Celtic in 2018. Fans are buzzing on social media, with many viewing this as a statement of intent from chairman John Bennett, who has backed Röhl’s vision despite financial constraints.
Beyond Windass, Rangers are eyeing other targets like Motherwell’s Elliot Watt for midfield reinforcement and a new centre-back to shore up defense. However, this potential coup steals the headlines, symbolizing a blend of experience and ambition. As the teams prepare for battle, Rangers hope this signing propels them toward closing the gap on their arch-rivals. The Old Firm never lacks drama, and today’s developments add another layer to this eternal rivalry.
Qudus Salihu
Mustapha Sheidu
Rabiu Aminu