Rangers are already working on summer recruitment plans, and that process has recently taken their scouting network to Portugal.
The Ibrox club remain locked in a tight title race in the Scottish Premiership. However, the pursuit of Celtic and Hearts has also exposed a lack of depth in several areas of Danny Röhl’s squad. Injuries and rotation demands have forced Rangers to rely heavily on a relatively small core of players throughout the season.
The expected return of Connor Barron in April should provide a boost in midfield. Still, planning for the next window continues behind the scenes. As a result, Rangers scouts were present at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday to watch FC Porto face Moreirense.
The Scottish Premiership side were among several clubs monitoring the match, as told by Record. Sevilla, Saint-Étienne, Alavés and Stuttgart also had representatives in attendance.
The game itself proved straightforward for Porto, who secured a comfortable 3-0 victory at home.
Porto’s attacking talent catches the eye
Porto’s performance featured several standout displays for Rangers’ eyes, and the local press highlighted a number of players.
Midfielder Victor Froholdt controlled the tempo throughout the match. The Danish player provided two assists, setting up goals for Oskar Pietuszewski and William Gomes. His influence extended across the pitch, with strong involvement in transitions and defensive work.
Pietuszewski also drew attention. The Polish winger scored Porto’s second goal and has now found the net three times in four matches. His pace and direct running caused constant problems for the Moreirense defence.
Despite conceding three goals, Moreirense goalkeeper André Ferreira produced six saves to keep the scoreline respectable for the visitors.
Meanwhile, their usual top performers did not rose to the occasion. Attacking midfielder Alan played as a striker and failed to deliver. Young centre-back Diogo Travassos also had a bad time trying to contain Porto’s efforts.
Despite the strong performances, most of Porto’s standout players would likely sit beyond Rangers’ realistic transfer reach. The Portuguese giants regularly command substantial fees for their leading talents.
Two experienced options could fit Rangers profile
However, two players involved in the match could represent more sensible targets if Rangers are indeed monitoring the game with recruitment in mind.
One is Zaidu Sanusi, the 28-year-old left-back. Sanusi started the match and played 65 minutes before being replaced. The Nigerian international offers athleticism and experience, having spent several seasons at Porto and gained European competition exposure.
A natural attacking full-back, Sanusi provides pace down the flank and defensive recovery speed. Those qualities could appeal to Rangers, particularly given the physical demands of Scottish football.
The other interesting profile is Pablo Rosario, a 29-year-old holding midfielder.
Rosario entered the match in the 66th minute, replacing Sanusi as Porto reshaped their structure. Operating centrally, he completed 24 of his 28 passes, an 86% success rate. He was especially secure in possession in deeper areas, completing all nine of his passes in his own half. He also recovered the ball twice in defensive zones.
While neither player is among Porto’s headline stars, both bring experience and tactical reliability. For a Rangers side looking to strengthen squad depth while remaining financially disciplined, profiles like Sanusi and Rosario could represent sensible additions for Danny Röhl.
And with the summer window approaching, Rangers’ scouting presence in Portugal suggests the search is already well underway.
