Rangers’ transfer activity continues to spark a lot of noise this summer but not every pursuit ends in success. There has been significant movement around the Scottish Premiership and some deals have begun to shape what next season might look like. Ibrox has seen plenty of players linked, some very strongly, and many with Premier League or domestic pedigree. However not all those links result in signings and one target appears to have slipped away for good.
According to reliable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Dundee midfielder Josh Mulligan is on the verge of signing for Hibernian, not Rangers. Despite earlier reports suggesting Mulligan was a serious target for Ibrox, especially given his SPL experience and strong physical profile, it now appears he has chosen the Hibees instead. This comes as a blow to those at Ibrox who saw the 21-year-old as a versatile asset capable of operating in a variety of roles across midfield and defence. Mulligan had reportedly been monitored by Rangers since last year.
Further speculation had emerged earlier in the window suggesting that Rangers were set to complete the deal. But Romano has now confirmed that Hibernian have all but secured his services. While no official confirmation has come from either club yet, Romano’s reputation suggests the deal is close to being done. For Rangers this represents another player lost to a domestic rival, albeit not one of the top three. That will not go unnoticed among supporters who feel the club needs to dominate the domestic transfer market more aggressively.
There is also growing belief within the Scottish media that Rangers may not have pushed hard enough for Mulligan in the final stages. The club is understood to have prioritised other midfield options and possibly viewed Mulligan as one for the squad rather than a key starter. But Hibs clearly saw something more and acted quickly. The missed signing could be minor in the grand scheme but for fans watching rivals strengthen it raises questions once more.
As reported here, Rangers were indeed keen. But in the end it seems Hibernian were keener.