- Rangers considering Josh Windass return despite his mixed previous spell at Ibrox.
- Club increasingly prioritising domestic-proven profiles under Andrew Cavenagh’s recruitment direction.
- Lawrence Shankland move expected to take priority in Rangers’ summer rebuild plans.
Rangers have reportedly made a renewed approach to Josh Windass regarding a potential return to Ibrox, according to Ben Jacobs, with the move understood to be driven by manager Danny Rohl, who previously worked with the attacker at Sheffield Wednesday.
However, the prospect of a second spell for Windass is already dividing opinion.
Particularly given his mixed impact during his initial time in Glasgow and the broader direction of Rangers’ recruitment strategy under chairman Andrew Cavenagh.
Windass, now with Wrexham, first arrived at Ibrox in 2016 with significant expectations.
But ultimately struggled for consistency during a turbulent period for the club.
While he produced moments of quality, his output failed to establish him as a long-term solution in a Rangers side still rebuilding its identity at the time.
That history is central to the current debate.
Josh Windass does not fit Rangers recruitment in 2026
Rangers are no longer in a cycle of short-term fixes. With recruitment now focused on profile, leadership and a winning mentality.
The club are also increasingly aligned with a “pro-Scottish bias” in squad construction, prioritising domestic experience and proven Premiership consistency.
In that context, a return for Windass appears less compelling, particularly when compared with alternative targets already under consideration.
Windass has the experience of the SPFL, but as part of an Ibrox dressing room which consistently fell apart under pressure.
One such example is the expected arrival of Lawrence Shankland, whose leadership at Hearts and proven domestic scoring record fit the profile Rangers are actively seeking.
Windass has been prolific in the Championship, but is he the mental warrior the current dressing room craves?
History suggests he is not.
Josh Windass career since Rangers departure
While his positional versatility and familiarity with the club are positives, his career trajectory since leaving Rangers has not suggested a level of development that would significantly elevate the current squad.
Rohl’s influence on the potential move is notable, given his successful working relationship with Windass at Wednesday.
However, internal decision-making at Ibrox is now more heavily weighted towards long-term squad cohesion and culture than individual managerial preference.
Readrangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
While Windass may offer short-term familiarity, Rangers’ current direction suggests a preference for more decisive upgrades.
With Shankland close to joining and other attacking targets under review, the logic increasingly points toward progression rather than revisiting the past.
