Summary
- Grok has predicted Rangers’ 2025/26 starting line-up under Russell Martin.
- James Tavernier is backed to stay as captain, while two new signings are brought into the XI.
- Key players like Nicolas Raskin, Nedim Bajrami and Hamza Igamane are also included.
Russell Martin’s first game as Rangers manager is just a month away, with a Champions League qualifier scheduled against Panathinaikos.
The Gers will take on the Greek side in a two-legged tie towards the end of July, so new owners the 49ers Enterprises don’t have long to act in the transfer market.
Many will be intrigued to see how Martin sets his Rangers side up as they look to win just their second Scottish Premiership title in 12 years in 2025/26.
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£6m star returns to Ibrox: AI predicts who Rangers will sign this summer
It could be a busy few months for the 49ers.
Grok, X’s AI tool, has already predicted some Rangers signings this summer, and they have now forecasted the starting line-up at Ibrox for 25/26, with a few surprises in store.
AI predicts Rangers’ 2025/26 starting line-up
GK: Liam Kelly
Described as a ‘dependable option’, Liam Kelly has been backed to start in goal for Rangers, with Jack Butland’s future seemingly up in the air.
They say ‘Kelly’s experience makes him a solid choice’, despite the 29-year-old only making 13 appearances in all competitions last season.
RB: James Tavernier
Club captain James Tavernier is regularly linked with a Rangers exit but Grok believes he is ‘likely to stay for another season unless a significant offer arrives’.
|
James Tavernier’s Rangers stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
513 |
|
Goals |
130 |
|
Assists |
142 |
|
Minutes played |
45,296 |
|
Trophies won |
5 |
AI adds that Tavernier ‘remains a key figure despite speculation about his exit’ and believes he could add to his 513 Gers appearances.
CB: Aaron Donnelly
Interestingly, Dundee centre-back Aaron Donnelly has been predicted to make the move to Ibrox, despite being a diehard Celtic supporter.
The 22-year-old made the move to Scotland from Nottingham Forest at the beginning of 2025 and actually scored against the Hoops in a 3-3 draw. There haven’t been concrete rumours over a transfer for Donnelly, so this would be a surprise.
CB: Robin Propper
Robin Propper has been heavily linked with a return to the Netherlands with FC Twente, however, a transfer has seemingly stalled, and he has been predicted to start under Martin.
The central defender made 43 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Ibrox and was even named as captain on one occasion.
LB: Ridvan Yilmaz
There has been a lot of talk about the future of Ridvan Yilmaz and a potential Rangers exit, however, the Turkey international is still on the books at Ibrox and has two years remaining on his contract.
Grok says that should he depart, Jefte would come in, but have backed Yilmaz to start for now.
CM: Connor Barron
After making 46 appearances in his first season as a Rangers player, Connor Barron has been backed to keep his place in the side under Martin, despite the arrival of Lyall Cameron.
A defensive midfielder, Barron is described as a ‘long-term asset and a guaranteed starter in the double pivot, aligning with the club’s youth focus’.
CM: Nicolas Raskin
Next to Barron is Nicolas Raskin, who has been linked with a big £25m exit from Rangers this summer.
It would be a big boost if the Belgium international remained in Glasgow, and his ‘tenacity and work rate make him a mainstay in midfield’ according to Grok.
RM: Nedim Bajrami
Nedim Bajrami was used mainly as an attacking midfielder or on the left during his first season at Rangers, however, he has been predicted to move over to the right in 25/26.
The Albania international is ‘expected to develop further’ and Grok adds Bajrami’s ‘versatility and creativity on the right wing add flair’.
AM: Mohamed Diomande
Another versatile midfielder, Mohamed Diomande played as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder last season.
He has been described as a ‘cornerstone of the midfield’ and is predicted to turn out in a more advanced role under Martin.
LM: Kwame Poku
The second new signing predicted to make the starting XI under Martin is Kwame Poku. Set to leave Peterborough United on a free transfer this summer, Rangers have been backed to win the race for the Ghana international.
A left-footed winger, Grok is predicting Poku to bring ‘pace and directness to the left flank’ at Ibrox.
ST: Hamza Igamane
Finishing off the side is Hamza Igamane, who like Raskin, is also becoming a man in demand. Should he stay, though, could be a guaranteed starter in the final third.
Last season’s Scottish Premiership top scorer, Cyriel Dessers, could leave Rangers this summer, meaning ‘Igamane is poised to lead the line at 22’.
