The 30-year-old is set to become Danny Rohl’s first signing of the summer as the Light Blues pull off a huge coup.
Lawrence Shankland is flying back to Glasgow to complete a sensational switch to Rangers.
As revealed by Record Sport, the Hearts skipper has been offered a two-year deal – with the option of a third.
Now barring any last minute hiccups with his medical, he will be unveiled as Danny Rohl’s first summer signing later this week having agreed personal terms.
And the good news for Ibrox chairman Andrew Cavenagh is that it won’t cost him a penny after the Light Blues were alerted to a clause in the 30-year-old’s Tynecastle contract that means he can walk away from Gorgie for FREE this summer.
Shankland led the Jambos to the brink of title glory after being persuaded to stay in the capital by boss Derek McInnes last summer.
But crucially, the Scotland striker negotiated a cut-off point at the end of the first year of that deal, allowing him to rip up his agreement and move elsewhere.
Now Gers chiefs are looking to take advantage and confident they will finally land him after years of speculation – without having to pay a penny.
Shankland has cut short a family holiday in Portugal to clinch his longed for move but his medical could be delayed by Monday’s bank holiday.
However, new Ibrox CEO Jim Gillespie hopes to get the remarkable transfer swoop finalised before the boyhood Gers supporter meets up with Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad on Tuesday.
His official unveiling will then depend on whether he gets the green light from the national team boss to make the hop across Glasgow to Rangers’ Auchenhowie training base for his pictures holding a Rangers scarf.
But while the news will delight the Rangers faithful, it will come as a massive blow to McInnes and the Hearts support barely a week on from seeing their Premiership dreams crumble.
Shankland fired 20 goals to take the Jambos to within touching distance of the title before suffering a crushing final-day loss at Celtic.
But Rohl and the Ibrox board believe they are finally landing a striker many believe Rangers should have signed years ago.
Former Gers boss Russell Martin could have signed Shankland on a free last summer but turned down the chance.
But Rohl is set to make amends after making him his No.1 target for this summer.
And it appears he will be the first of a string of tartan recruits, with chairman Andrew Cavenagh saying last week the club will look to sign more Scottish talent in the coming weeks.
In the wake of finishing the campaign in third, Cavenagh had said: “Our focus is on what is ahead of us and we are very clear that we need to add chemistry, leadership, guile, football IQ.
“We have a pro-Scottish bias in the club today – meaning if you have two players roughly equal and one is Scottish, we will take the Scottish player.
“When we look at what positions we are filling, we don’t start with people – we start with profiles.
“What positions is it, what type of person is it. An athletic centre-back or a ball-winning centre-back for example. How big, how fast?
“We are always asking who is Scottish that fits that profile. Every time we are looking at that.
“That’s not to say we can just go out and grab 11 Scots off the street and win the title.
“It is a bias towards Scottish players but that doesn’t mean that’s the only criteria we look at to build a winning team. I would say we equally look at an SPFL bias.
“If we’re looking at two players who are roughly similar and one has extensive SPFL experience against one who does not, we would take the SPFL experienced player.”
Shankland’s Journey: From Dundee to Ibrox Dream
Lawrence Shankland’s career has been one of persistence and proven goal-scoring pedigree. Born in Edinburgh, the forward rose through the ranks at Dundee before making a name for himself with consistent performances in the Scottish Championship and Premiership. His move to Hearts in 2022 marked a significant step up, where he quickly became the talisman for the Jam Tarts, captaining the side and delivering crucial goals in high-pressure matches.
At 30 years old, Shankland brings maturity, leadership, and a deep understanding of Scottish football to a Rangers side eager to challenge for silverware under new manager Danny Rohl. Rohl, who arrived with a reputation for tactical innovation from his time in Germany and England, sees Shankland as the perfect focal point for his attacking system. The German coach prefers a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 setup that relies on a mobile No.9 capable of linking play and finishing chances inside the box.
Sources close to the club suggest Rohl has been tracking Shankland for several months, viewing him as a low-risk, high-reward addition who knows the league inside out. With Rangers finishing third last season and missing out on European qualification spots, the pressure is on to strengthen the squad intelligently. Signing Shankland on a free transfer allows the board to allocate funds elsewhere, potentially targeting midfield reinforcements or defensive cover.
What Shankland Brings to the Rangers Attack
Shankland’s statistics speak volumes. Last season alone, he netted 20 goals across all competitions for Hearts, including several against top-six opponents. His hold-up play, aerial ability, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. For a Rangers team that has struggled with consistency in front of goal at times, his arrival could provide the much-needed firepower to compete with Celtic and Aberdeen.
Boyhood Gers fan Shankland has spoken openly in the past about his affinity for the club. Growing up watching legends like Ally McCoist and more recently Alfredo Morelos, the opportunity to pull on the famous blue jersey is a dream come true. Insiders at Auchenhowie believe his passion for the club will translate into instant commitment on the training pitch.
However, the one lingering factor delaying the full unveiling remains the Scotland international call-up. Steve Clarke’s squad is preparing for upcoming Nations League fixtures, and protocol dictates that players focus on national team duties first. If Clarke grants permission for Shankland to attend a brief photo session at the training ground, fans could see the official reveal as early as Wednesday or Thursday. Until then, the Ibrox faithful are left in excited anticipation, flooding social media with welcome messages and memes.
Hearts Reaction: A Bitter Pill to Swallow
For Hearts and manager Derek McInnes, this represents a significant setback. Just days after a heartbreaking final-day defeat to Celtic that ended their title hopes, losing their captain and top scorer on a free transfer stings deeply. McInnes had personally convinced Shankland to stay last summer, extending his deal with the promise of challenging for honours.
Hearts fans have taken to forums and social platforms to express their disappointment, with some accusing the club’s hierarchy of failing to secure the player long-term. Despite the clause that allowed the exit, many believe better contract management could have prevented this. McInnes will now need to rebuild his attack quickly, possibly looking towards younger talents or loans to fill the void left by Shankland’s departure.
Rangers’ Scottish Recruitment Strategy Under Cavenagh
Chairman Andrew Cavenagh’s comments highlight a clear strategic shift at Ibrox. The emphasis on Scottish and SPFL-experienced players aims to create a squad with better chemistry and understanding of the league’s physical demands. This approach mirrors successful models at other clubs where local knowledge has proven vital in title races.
With Shankland leading the way, expect further movement in the coming weeks. Potential targets include established Premiership performers who fit the profile of leadership and football IQ that Cavenagh referenced. This “pro-Scottish bias” could also help in fan engagement, as supporters crave players who understand the club’s history and the intensity of Old Firm derbies.
Financially, the free transfer is a masterstroke. In an era where clubs are cautious with spending amid economic pressures, securing a proven 20-goal striker without a fee frees up the budget for wages or other key areas. New CEO Jim Gillespie has been instrumental in navigating the deal swiftly, showcasing the improved off-field operations at Rangers.
Potential Impact on Scottish Football Landscape
This transfer could have wider implications. It reinforces Rangers’ position as a destination for top Scottish talent, potentially influencing other players’ decisions in future windows. For the national team, having Shankland in a more competitive environment at Ibrox could enhance his form ahead of major tournaments.
Analysts predict Shankland could score 15-20 goals in his debut season if given regular starts and service from creative midfielders like Tom Lawrence or new arrivals. His experience in derbies and cup competitions adds intangible value that statistics alone cannot capture.
As the week progresses, all eyes remain on the medical results and the Scotland camp’s decision. Rangers supporters are optimistic, viewing this as the start of a renewed push for domestic dominance. Danny Rohl’s project is gaining momentum, and with Shankland on board, the Light Blues look ready to challenge on all fronts next season.
The story of Lawrence Shankland’s move is far from over. From cutting short his Portugal holiday to potentially lifting trophies in blue, this transfer symbolises ambition meeting opportunity. For a player who has waited years for this chance, the Ibrox stage awaits – and Scottish football is set to be all the more exciting for it.