Rangers close to securing Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland as Rohl’s first summer signing
Hearts lose their talismanic striker to Ibrox in a move that fulfils chairman Andrew Cavenagh’s call for ‘gnarled professionals’
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland is on the cusp of completing a transfer to Rangers, with the deal expected to be finalised shortly pending a medical examination. The 30-year-old Scotland forward is set to become Danny Rohl’s first signing of the close season, marking a significant shift in the Scottish Premiership landscape as the Ibrox club looks to bolster its squad for the upcoming campaign.
Shankland has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in the league since joining Hearts in 2022. He has scored 88 goals in 171 appearances for the Edinburgh side, a tally that places him fourth in the list of all-time Scottish Premiership goalscorers since the league’s establishment in 2013. His 77 league goals put him just one behind former Rangers forward Alfredo Morelos, highlighting his consistent output at the highest level.
The move represents a major loss for Hearts, who recently navigated a salary dispute with the player before reaching an agreement to retain him under manager Derek McInnes. Shankland had led Hearts to second place in the league table this season, narrowly missing out on the title to Celtic on the final day. His departure leaves a void in the Tynecastle attack, particularly given his record of scoring against Rangers in multiple recent fixtures.
Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh has previously emphasised the need for leaders and "gnarled professionals" within the squad, qualities that Shankland embodies. While the transfer fee remains undisclosed, reports suggest Rangers have paid the required amount to Hearts. Both clubs have been reluctant to discuss details regarding a potential break clause in Shankland’s contract, which would allow him to leave for nothing under specific circumstances.
For Rangers, Shankland is viewed as a key addition to provide steel and presence in the final third. He is expected to compete for a starting role alongside existing options such as Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi. The striker, who has scored four times in 18 international appearances for Scotland, is now focused on securing a place in Steve Clarke’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
