Hearts CEO makes major Rangers Lawrence Shankland admission

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Ibrox Noise

·26 September 2024

Hearts CEO makes major Rangers Lawrence Shankland admission

Hearts’ Chief Executive Andrew McKinlay has confirmed that Rangers made no offer whatsoever for star striker Lawrence Shankland, amid massively-heavy rumours linking him with his dream switch to Ibrox.

The 28-year-old forward, the Gorgie side’s captain, has made no secret of his ambitions and his intention to try his luck at a higher level than Hearts or the Scottish Premiership, with his ideal move being to his boyhood club Rangers.

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But not only did Rangers not bid anything for his signature during the summer, no other club did either, and Shankland has been left at Tynecastle with his head clearly down as his form this season suffers along with that of his dishevelled team mates.

McKinlay said:

“There is nothing at the moment and I think it has been widely documented that we didn’t receive any offers, which surprised me given Lawrence’s performances last season but it certainly didn’t disappoint me. I am delighted to keep Lawrence for this year, I hope for longer, but as it stands for the moment it is for this year. I don’t see there being a decision to make in January as we sit here now. It looks like Lawrence will see out the last year of his contract but I would be delighted to have a conversation if there is one to be had to see if there is a way we can persuade him to stay here longer. Lawrence had a slow start to last season and then came good. I am sure Lawrence will come good. You don’t lose overnight what he has had for the last two seasons. He’s been phenomenal for this club over the last two seasons and I hope that returns on Saturday (vs Ross County).”

It is well known that Hearts’ season has completely tanked, their only point coming against Rangers, ironically enough, with otherwise nothing but losses to speak of and a total drought for their star man. It cost Steven Naismith his job.

Clearly not getting his move this summer killed Shankland’s spirit, and his team mates have suffered for that – but McKinlay appears keen to try to hold onto him, which evidently is not happening next summer.

Whether Rangers will try to get him on the free time will tell, but it’s straight from the horse’s mouth that the club made no offer this summer.

But did spend £2.5M on a striker that couldn’t be used immediately or indeed for many weeks.

One of many curious club decisions.