Lawrence Shankland departs Rangers for direct rival

Lawrence Shankland has terminated his three-year contract with Rangers and will join a direct rival.

The move comes eleven months after he signed the deal that secured his stay at Tynecastle.

Derek McInnes repeatedly maintained during the season that Shankland was the best striker in Scottish football.

McInnes’ comments highlighted the striker’s reputation despite the upcoming transfer.

Shankland arrived at Rangers in the summer of 2022.

His signing marked the start of a prolific Premiership spell.

From his debut until now he has netted 72 league goals.

Those goals came across 135 Premiership appearances.

No other player has scored more Premiership goals than Shankland since his arrival.

His goal tally remains the highest in the competition for the period.

Rangers must now seek a replacement to maintain their attacking options.

The club’s summer recruitment will focus on filling the void left by Shankland’s exit.