Lawrence Shankland completed a move to Rangers from Hearts, signing a two-year contract with an extra-year option. The 30-year-old forward described the switch as a dream transfer, joining the club supported since childhood. Rangers, who finished third in the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership, gain a proven domestic scorer as the team targets more trophies.

The agreement ends Shankland’s four-year stay at Tynecastle, where the striker captained Hearts during the recent campaign. Hearts finished second despite a 3-1 defeat to Celtic on the final day, with Rangers behind them. Shankland hit 16 league goals and three assists, with only Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise scoring more, with 17 goals.

Shankland leaves Hearts without playing Champions League qualifiers, yet the forward remains content with the decision. The move aligns with long-held personal aims, and Shankland made clear the emotional weight of the transfer. “I am delighted to be here and to have this opportunity,” Shankland told Rangers TV. “Rangers is my boyhood club, and it has always been a dream to play here, so I was really keen to get it done.

“A lot of hard graft has gone in to get 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.”

Rangers have not lifted the Scottish Premiership title since the 2020-21 season under Steven Gerrard. During that period, Celtic’s latest success allowed them to move ahead in total league championships. Shankland’s arrival adds an experienced forward as Rangers attempt to respond to Celtic’s dominance and return to more regular domestic silverware.

Shankland’s numbers at Hearts underline why Rangers targeted the striker again after earlier interest. The forward was out of contract at Tynecastle last summer, drawing links with Ibrox, but instead signed a new three-year deal in late June. Across 171 matches for Hearts in all competitions, Shankland contributed 88 goals and 25 assists, giving 113 direct goal contributions.

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Rangers manager Dany Rohl described the signing as a key addition to the squad’s attack and leadership group. Rohl highlighted Shankland’s record and mentality, noting established output in Scottish football and a strong work rate. The coach also stressed that Shankland understands the scrutiny and demands that come with representing Rangers.

Lawrence Shankland Rangers signing and international duties

Immediately after completing the Rangers transfer, Shankland will turn attention to international duty. The striker has scored four times in 18 appearances for Scotland and will join Steve Clarke’s squad for the World Cup. Following that tournament, Rangers expect Shankland to report back to Glasgow in time for pre-season preparations.

For Rangers supporters and neutral observers, Shankland’s move adds intrigue to the next Scottish Premiership campaign. The transfer links Rangers’ search for trophies, Hearts’ recent progress, and Scotland’s World Cup plans. How Shankland adapts at Ibrox, after leading Hearts to second place, will shape much discussion across Scottish football.