Rangers fans are rightly buoyant for the upcoming season after Michael Beale and his transfer merry men have already got to work with six new signings.
It's a stark contrast from seasons gone by, where the Light Blues mustered most of their dealings late into the window, in a mad rush which has more often than not seen them fail to master team cohesion - much to their downfall.
But Beale has different ideas this time around. It's extremely rare that a club makes six first-team signings by the start of July, and as such Rangers can now sink their teeth straight into pre-season before hitting the ground running ahead of next months' hectic Scottish Premiership and Champions League schedule. Glasgow Live takes a look at how Beale could set his side up next season if all of his new signings and retained stars are available for selection.
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Goalkeeper - Jack Butland
Butland came in earlier in the window as a direct replacement for departing veteran Allan McGregor, and will be expected to man the fort at Ibrox. He's had a tough few years after joining Crystal Palace in 2020, and it's quite something to understand that Butland is only 30 years old - he has seemingly been around for aged after making his debut for Birmingham City at just 17 years old in 2010.
Robby McCrorie will likely be the backup goalkeeper, whilst Jon McLaughlin will be the deputy for the bench, alongside an old head to continue to help McCrorie develop as Butland's understudy.
Defence - James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Ridvan Yilmaz
Tavernier has been linked with a move which could see him team up with Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia, but he would likely be the first name on the team sheet should he stay in Glasgow for a ninth season at Ibrox.
The Gers captain would further be joined by fellow stalwart Connor Goldson who was badly missed by Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the poor spell of form that cost him his job before the World Cup. It's a toss of a coin between John Souttar and Ben Davies, but the former's form since he started to make his way into the first team was something to be admired - he just about gets the nod.
At left-back, Barisic has been the first-choice for the past five seasons, but his defensive liabilities and ageing nature could see the much-heralded Ridvan Yilmaz take place in the team. His development would rise under Beale.
Midfield - John Lundstram, Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell
Rangers are flooded with central midfield options. If we include reported target Jose Cifuentes in the conversation, it leaves the likes of Ianis Hagi, Kieran Dowell, Ryan Jack AND Steven Davis in the ranks. But they wouldn't start in the current starting XI, with some not even making the bench.
John Lundstram would show the steeliness that Rangers would need in the event of a counter-attack, whilst also being solid on the ball and showing the leadership needed ahead of a young, attack-minded midfield.
He would be partnered by Nicolas Raskin who has massively impressed in the No. 8 role since his move in January, whilst on-fire winter arrival Todd Cantwell would secure his role in the side behind a new look attack that will surely light up Scottish football.
Attack - Fashion Sakala, Cyriel Dessers, Abdallah Sima
With Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos gone, times really are changing at Ibrox - this season will be the first new-look Rangers side for almost half a decade. Antonio Colak has not been included in this conversation as his exit looks likely after summer arrivals.
On the right, Fashion Sakala should get the chance to improve on his electric form that he showed whilst under the control of Beale since he joined in November. Up front could be two of the strikers that have joined in the summer; though it is Cyriel Dessers that gets the nod over Sam Lammers, who will likely be used in a two-up-top situation or if the Nigerian is injured.
And loan signing Abdallah Sima will surely start on the left-hand side, with his rise into British football kickstarting at Ibrox amid a loan deal at Angers last season.
Subs - Robby McCrorie, Dujon Sterling, Ben Davies, Borna Barisic, Jose Cifuentes, Ianis Hagi, Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers, Kemar Roofe
Unlucky to miss out - Ryan Jack, Steven Davis, Tom Lawrence, Rabbi Matondo, Leon King
