Something happened during January’s transfer window that very few fans noticed. That despite all the signings and departures, a major development took place that strengthened Rangers massively:

Not a single key asset left.

For all the threats for months that the Glen Kamaras, James Taverniers and Alfredo Morelos’s etc would be vulnerable to sale, and that the likes of Borna Barisic was interesting this that and the next team, not a single marquee Rangers asset left.

This was without a doubt the best January window for Rangers for a long time – instead of being weakened and losing even one major player, whatever the bid had been, Rangers preserved the lot, and not only maintained the strength of the club while our former rivals sold some of their family silver, but we brought in some quality depth for the squad too, enhancing the options at Steven Gerrard’s disposal.

This move was worth its weight in gold. Seeing none of our best players being sold, even for a premium price, showed Rangers can not only afford to keep their best assets, but those assets actively want to stay.

Our best players of major market value – Tavernier, Kamara, Barisic, Kent, Morelos et al want to win 55 with us, and they also face a decision in the summer in some cases:

Leave for lavish wages at a PL midtable club or European equivalent, or compete in the Champions League with Rangers and seriously contend for another SPL title.

That CL participation is lucrative – it’s the Promised Land – every player in Europe wants to be at the CL table, and it’s massive, a huge carrot.

But this January has shown not only can Rangers keep their best players, but we have a chance of retaining them into next season too.

This was a very, very good January window indeed.