Bigger flop than Raskin: Rohl must sell “infuriating” Rangers star

Glasgow Rangers boss Danny Röhl faces several major decisions as the January transfer window prepares to open next week.

The Light Blues slipped 12 points behind league leaders Hearts after suffering a 2–1 defeat at Tynecastle on Sunday, a result that has severely dented their title ambitions.

While the championship may now look out of reach, Rangers still have plenty to play for, including a push for second place and a deep run in the Scottish Cup. As a result, smart recruitment in January could prove crucial.

Key areas Rangers must address in January

Strengthening the striker department should be near the top of Röhl’s priority list. Rangers’ current attacking options have struggled to deliver, with Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski managing just five Premiership goals between them, according to Sofascore.

That return is far from convincing and highlights the need for a more reliable goal scorer who can consistently find the net.

Creativity is another major concern. A lack of imagination in the final third has plagued the Light Blues this season, with WhoScored data showing that no winger or attacking midfielder has recorded more than two league assists.

Summer signing Thelo Aasgaard was brought in to help solve that issue, but his impact has been limited — he has registered just one goal and one red card so far.

Rangers may also look to trim their squad by moving on fringe players who have barely featured. Kieran Dowell has not played since August, while Rabbi Matondo has yet to make a single matchday squad appearance this campaign.

Offloading such players could free up wages and squad space for reinforcements.

Additionally, the club may need to consider selling some higher-profile names to fund a rebuild. One player who could be sacrificed is Mohamed Diomande, whose performances have fallen well below expectations.

Why Diomande could be moved on

Journalist Jonny McFarlane recently criticised Nicolas Raskin for his poor showing against Hearts, claiming the Belgian was “dominated” by Cammy Devlin. However, Diomande’s form has arguably been even more concerning.

FootballFanCast recently suggested that reported interest in Pierre Ekwah could signal the end of Raskin’s time at Ibrox, but Diomande’s situation looks even more precarious.

Last season, Diomande and Raskin combined for 10 goals and 20 assists across all competitions, according to Sofascore. This campaign, however, both players have struggled to replicate that output.

Diomande, in particular, has endured a difficult season, receiving two red cards and scoring just once in all competitions — including two dismissals in the Europa League group stage.

Following the defeat to Hearts, journalist Michael McEwan criticised Diomande’s tendency to dwell on the ball, describing it as “utterly infuriating” and stating that he was physically overpowered by the Hearts midfield.

Statistical comparisons also show Raskin outperforming Diomande in most key midfield metrics this season.

The Ivorian midfielder was linked with a move to Besiktas during the summer, suggesting there could still be interest in his services. Given his poor form and disciplinary issues, selling Diomande in January could be a sensible move.

Cashing in now — before his value drops further — may allow Rangers to reinvest in more effective options and give Röhl the resources needed to reshape the squad for the second half of the season.