Lawrence Shankland joins Rangers from Hearts on two-year deal
Synopsis
Rangers have signed the very striker who scored four goals against them last season — Lawrence Shankland, Hearts' captain and top scorer. The 30-year-old's move to his 'boyhood club' is the first deal of Danny Röhl's summer rebuild, and a clear statement of intent in the race to end Celtic's Premiership dominance.
Key Takeaways
Lawrence Shankland has signed for Rangers F.C. from Heart of Midlothian F.C. on a two-year deal with an option for a third year.
He will officially join on 15 June when the transfer window opens, becoming Rangers' first summer signing .
Shankland scored 88 goals in 171 appearances for Hearts, including 20 goals in 34 games last season.
The 30-year-old captained Hearts and scored four goals against Rangers in the most recent campaign.
He has been named in Scotland's squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 , having scored 4 goals in 18 international appearances .
Head coach Danny Röhl praised Shankland's 'proven quality, leadership, and work ethic.'
Lawrence Shankland has completed his move to Rangers F.C. from Heart of Midlothian F.C., signing a two-year contract with an option for a third year. The Scotland international will officially join the Ibrox club when the transfer window opens on 15 June, becoming Rangers' first signing of the summer transfer window.
A Proven Goalscorer Arrives at Ibrox
Shankland, 30, departs Hearts after four seasons in which he cemented his reputation as one of Scottish football's most reliable strikers. He scored 88 goals in 171 appearances for the Edinburgh club, captaining the side in recent seasons. Last season alone, he netted 20 goals in 34 matches across all competitions — including four goals against Rangers — as Hearts mounted a title challenge before finishing behind Celtic F.C., ending their bid for a first league title since 1960.
Shankland: 'Rangers Is My Boyhood Club'
Speaking after the deal was confirmed on Tuesday, Shankland described the transfer as the fulfilment of a lifelong ambition. 'I am delighted to be here and to have this opportunity. Rangers is my boyhood club, and it has always been a dream to play here, so I was really keen to get it done,' he said in a club statement.
He added: 'A lot of hard graft has gone into getting to this point, and I'm just really happy. The club are in a position where they want to get back to winning silverware more regularly, and I want to be a big part of that, so that's what I have come here to do.'
What Head Coach Danny Röhl Said
Rangers head coach Danny Röhl welcomed the signing and pointed to Shankland's leadership as a key factor. 'He is a player with proven quality, leadership, and work ethic, and his goalscoring record in Scotland speaks for itself,' Röhl said.
Röhl also acknowledged Shankland's international commitments, adding: 'I wish him well at the World Cup this summer, and look forward to welcoming him back to Glasgow during pre-season.' The striker has scored four goals in 18 appearances for Scotland and has been named in the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Career Path to Ibrox
Shankland began his senior career at Queen's Park F.C. before moving through Aberdeen F.C., Ayr United F.C., and Dundee United F.C. He also spent a season in Belgium with K. Beerschot V.A. before joining Hearts, where he evolved into a captain and consistent top scorer in the Scottish Premiership.
What This Means for Rangers
The arrival of Shankland signals Rangers' intent to close the gap on rivals Celtic, who have dominated the Scottish Premiership in recent years. Notably, signing a striker who scored four goals against the club last season reflects both the pragmatism and ambition of Röhl's rebuild. With a World Cup to navigate before pre-season begins, Rangers will be watching Shankland's tournament form closely ahead of his official integration into the squad.
Point of View
However proven domestically, is enough to shift the balance of power in a Premiership Celtic have made their own. Shankland arrives on the back of a World Cup campaign, which could mean he hits Ibrox in form — or exhausted. The option-year clause suggests Rangers are hedging on both possibilities.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Lawrence Shankland joined Rangers?
Shankland signed for Rangers because the club represents his 'boyhood club,' and he has described the move as fulfilling a childhood ambition. Rangers also offered a two-year contract with an option for a third year as they look to challenge for silverware more regularly.
When will Shankland officially join Rangers?
Shankland will officially join Rangers on 15 June 2025, when the summer transfer window opens. He has already completed the move contractually and is Rangers' first signing of the summer.
What is Lawrence Shankland's goalscoring record?
Shankland scored 88 goals in 171 appearances for Hearts across four seasons, including 20 goals in 34 matches last season. He has also scored 4 goals in 18 appearances for the Scotland national team.
Who is Rangers head coach Danny Röhl?
Danny Röhl is the head coach of Rangers F.C., overseeing the club's summer recruitment as they aim to close the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic. He praised Shankland's leadership and work ethic upon confirming the signing.
Will Shankland play in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Yes, Lawrence Shankland has been included in Scotland's squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Rangers head coach Danny Röhl confirmed he expects Shankland to join pre-season preparations in Glasgow after the tournament.
