Brian Laudrup reckons Rangers could be forced to make tough decisions in the transfer market this summer.
The Ibrox legend admits failing to secure Champions League qualification and all its financial rewards means his old club face a trickier window than rivals Celtic.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst could still steer his side to Europe's top table via the qualifiers but, until then, Laudrup expects a balancing act between strengthening the squad and cashing in on top assets at the right time.
The likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo are entering the final year of their contracts while Calvin Bassey is attracting attention from Aston Villa.
Laudrup wrote in his Daily Mail column: "One thing is already apparent. Rangers face a far more complicated window than their rivals. That doesn't have to be a barrier to eventual success, though. Just think back to the chaos we saw at Parkhead last summer. If you work smart, anything can be achieved.
"This time, Celtic undoubtedly start with certain advantages. Winning last season's Premiership means they have the stability of guaranteed Champions League income to financially support their plans. Also, the overhaul already undertaken has created a strong contract profile within their squad.
"They've still got some significant jobs to do most pressingly in trying to persuade Jota to follow Carter-Vickers in returning but Ange Postecoglou can look ahead with more certainty than Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
"At Ibrox, the budget could alter late on in the window if Van Bronckhorst is able to negotiate two rounds of Champions League qualifiers. Right now, however, there will have to be decisions about how far they can push financially.
"Retaining Goldson was a massive boost and unquestionably solved one problem, but the fact Alfredo Morelos, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent are entering the final 12 months of their deals is another complicating factor.
"If talks over extensions are fruitless, any bids received will have to be carefully weighed up against the on-field value of keeping them."
Despite foreseeing challenges, Laudrup reckons Rangers can have a successful summer as he pointed to how Celtic emerged stronger from a turbulent period 12 months ago.
The Dane says Postecoglou faced "utter chaos" when he arrived in June 2021 but a strong window provided a foundation for the Parkhead club to reclaim the Premiership title and win the Premier Sports Cup.
Laudrup said: "All these variables make life a little tougher but, as I said, it's nothing compared to the situation around Celtic 12 months ago.
"There was utter chaos at Parkhead. A new manager came in quite late, having to reshuffle, get new players and sell others who were heading out. Despite all that, Postecoglou ended up doing extremely well.
"For Van Bronckhorst, I would regard this as the first real window. Before the underwhelming business in January, he had only been in the door a matter of weeks. Now, his management team have far more knowledge about the squad and can have far more influence on exactly what is needed.
"If the Champions League money was there, I'd be saying spend on a new striker after the injury problems witnessed last season and a new right winger for starters."
