Rangers have secured the signing of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts, bringing the prolific striker to Ibrox on an initial two-year contract that runs until 2028, with a club option to extend by a further 12 months. The 30-year-old, who captained Hearts and netted 20 goals in all competitions last season, will join Danny Rohl’s squad after representing Scotland at the World Cup in the United States. The transfer fee remains undisclosed, though it is understood Rangers activated a release clause in the deal Shankland signed at Tynecastle only last summer.
“It is a dream come true,” Shankland told Rangers TV. “Rangers is my boyhood club, and I’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point. The club wants to win silverware regularly again, and I’m here to be a big part of that.” Those words encapsulate the striker’s long road to Ibrox, a journey that has taken him from the lower leagues of Scottish football to the brink of a historic league title with Hearts.
Shankland’s career began at Queen’s Park alongside future Scotland captain Andy Robertson, but his early years were marked by a series of loan moves away from Aberdeen. It wasn’t until a free transfer to Ayr United in 2017 that he found his scoring touch, plundering 29 goals in his first season and 34 in the next. A move to Dundee United followed, where his 28 goals fired the Terrors back to the Premiership, but a disappointing spell in Belgium with Beerschot saw him return to Scotland and truly flourish at Hearts.
Over three seasons in Edinburgh, Shankland became one of the league’s most feared forwards. His 24 league goals across his first two campaigns established him as a reliable finisher, but it was his 16-goal Premiership haul last term that underlined his elite pedigree, carrying Hearts agonizingly close to their first top-flight title since 1960. That narrow miss, coupled with the expiration of his contract, opened the door to his Ibrox dream.
For Rangers, the signing addresses a pressing need for a proven goalscorer. The club finished last season without James Tavernier, the long-serving right-back who departed at the end of his contract, signaling a period of transition under Rohl. The German coach, appointed earlier this year, is reshaping the squad with an eye on mounting a serious title challenge. Shankland’s arrival is a statement of intent, adding leadership and a clinical edge to an attack that at times lacked cutting edge in crucial matches.
The deal also carries emotional weight for supporters. Shankland grew up a Rangers fan, and his determination to finally pull on the light blue jersey after years of being overlooked by the club adds a layer of romance to what is otherwise a shrewd piece of business. His willingness to take a leadership role—he wore the armband at Hearts—further suits a dressing room in need of character following Tavernier’s exit.
Beyond Shankland, Rangers’ summer activity shows no sign of slowing. The club has expressed firm interest in Dundee defender Luke Graham, a 22-year-old who caught the eye at Dens Park and is also being tracked by clubs in the English Championship, Europe, and the United States. Formal talks have yet to begin, but Graham is seen as a long-term investment capable of competing for a starting berth immediately.
In midfield, Rangers have held discussions with the representatives of Dan Neil, the 24-year-old Sunderland man who is out of contract this summer. Neil spent the second half of last season on loan at Ipswich Town, having been a target for Rangers during the January window. With competition from Premier League and Championship sides, securing his signature would be a coup, offering energy and technical ability in the center of the park.
Another potential target is Motherwell’s Elliot Watt, a 26-year-old defensive midfielder who impressed in 42 appearances last season. No formal talks have taken place with Fir Park officials, and the Steelmen are keen to retain a player who has become integral to their system. For Rangers, however, Watt represents another option to bolster a department that requires depth if they are to compete on multiple fronts.
As Shankland prepares to fly out to the USA for Scotland’s World Cup campaign, his focus will briefly turn to international duty. Scotland’s opening match is against Haiti on June 14 at 2am UK time, and the striker will be hoping to make an impact on the global stage before returning to Glasgow for pre-season. A strong tournament would only heighten the anticipation around his Ibrox unveiling.
In the broader context of Scottish football, Shankland’s move reinforces Rangers’ ambition to close the gap on reigning champions. It also weakens a direct rival in Hearts, who must now fill the void left by their captain and top scorer. For Rohl, the challenge is to integrate his new talisman swiftly and build a team capable of delivering consistent performances across a demanding fixture list.
The next few months will be pivotal as Rangers finalize their squad. With the transfer window officially opening on June 15, business is set to accelerate. Shankland’s capture is the headline act so far, but the ongoing pursuits of Graham, Neil, and Watt suggest a club determined to leave nothing to chance in their quest for glory. Based on reporting from Sky Sports.