Rangers Eye Next Big Thing with Move for Hearts’ Rising Star James Wilson
Glasgow Rangers are poised for a major summer rebuild as the club looks to move past a disappointing season on the pitch. With the Premiership title already in Celtic’s hands and interim manager Barry Ferguson at the helm, attention has now shifted to the changes set to unfold behind the scenes at Ibrox. The arrival of new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, combined with a potential takeover involving Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers group, signals a fresh start for the Light Blues.
This transformation isn’t limited to the boardroom. The squad itself is expected to see some notable shakeups. Striker Cyriel Dessers, in particular, has come under scrutiny. Despite scoring 13 league goals, his inefficiency in front of goal—highlighted by 59 missed big chances across domestic and European play—has sparked calls for a more clinical option. As Rangers look ahead to the summer window, there’s growing belief they could unearth their next goal-scoring star closer to home, just as they once did with club legend Kris Boyd.
Boyd’s arrival from Kilmarnock in 2006 marked a turning point for Rangers. As a proven scorer in the Scottish Premiership, he brought instant value. His stats from his first spell at Ibrox speak volumes—he netted consistently, season after season, helping the club to two league titles. His ability to hit the ground running underscored the value of recruiting homegrown talent familiar with the league’s demands. Boyd’s success serves as a blueprint for the kind of smart, low-risk acquisitions Rangers may prioritize as they rebuild.
With that history in mind, Rangers now appear to be tracking another promising Scottish striker: 18-year-old James Wilson of Hearts. According to reports, Rangers and arch-rivals Celtic have been monitoring the teenager, while Premier League clubs including Newcastle United have also taken notice. Wilson’s rise has been one of the few bright spots in a challenging season for Hearts, and his performances have clearly not gone unnoticed. While his estimated value sits around £1 million, the bidding could heat up as interest mounts.
Wilson may still be early in his senior career, but there’s reason to believe he could develop into a top-tier forward. So far this season, he has scored five goals and missed just four big chances in 15 league starts—a sharp contrast to Dessers’ inefficiencies. Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who now shares the pitch with Wilson at both club and international level, has described him as a “pretty special” talent. Given the right service and support, the young striker could offer Rangers the kind of clinical edge they’ve been missing.
Bringing Wilson to Ibrox would be a bold yet calculated move—one that mirrors the decision to bring Boyd into the fold nearly two decades ago. With a strong foundation and the right mentorship, Wilson has the tools to thrive in Glasgow and potentially lead the line for years to come. If Rangers can secure his signature ahead of the competition, they might just find themselves with the next great Scottish goalscorer in their ranks.
Would you like a visual graphic comparing Wilson’s and Boyd’s early stats for the blog post?
