Jamie O’Hara has taken aim at Rangers’ summer recruitment, branding the squad as “really average” in a stinging critique of the club’s transfer dealings.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 2 September, O’Hara reflected on Rangers’ recent Old Firm defeat to Celtic, describing the performance as “men against boys” and suggesting that Steven Gerrard’s and Gio van Bronckhorst’s teams were significantly stronger.
The Belgian manager, Philippe Clement, now finds his side sitting fourth in the Scottish Premiership, with just seven points from a possible 12, far from the standards expected at Ibrox.
Discussing the state of the team with fellow pundit Jason Cundy, O’Hara didn’t mince his words:
“I just think the recruitment hasn’t been good enough, has it? I mean what I watched, it looked like men against boys, Celtic just quicker, sharper, moved the ball better, tactically better.
“When Gerrard was there, I took a bit more notice – because he was there – and Rangers looked a good side. Van Bronckhorst comes in, good European run, they were decent, now I’m watching and I’m thinking these are really average.”
The criticism comes as Rangers face growing scrutiny over their summer transfer business. Despite Clement’s intentions, the club struggled to secure all his desired targets, largely due to financial constraints that hampered early activity in the window.
It wasn’t until late in the transfer period that the Gers were able to make significant moves, by which time their options were somewhat limited.
The club brought in 10 new first-team players, with their total outlay around £15 million—a figure dwarfed by Celtic’s spending. Their city rivals splashed out nearly double that amount, including a record £11 million deal for Arne Engels, bolstered by the allure of Champions League football.
As the season progresses, the recruitment led by Nils Koppen will come under closer scrutiny. Whether these new signings can deliver remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that Rangers must see improvement.
Clement is under pressure to find success with his current squad, and with Celtic now boasting what many consider the superior squad, Rangers face an uphill battle to keep pace.
The coming months will be crucial for the Glasgow giants, as the success—or failure—of their summer business will become increasingly evident.
For now, O’Hara’s damning verdict echoes a sentiment of frustration that many Rangers fans may share.