Rangers’ Marcello De Barros transfer attempt emerges after St Mirren drama

Rangers invested heavily in their squad once again during the summer, with owner Andrew Cavenagh delivering on his promise to provide Derek McInnes with the backing required to strengthen the team.

For the second consecutive summer, the Ibrox club brought in more than 10 new players, but such significant spending will ultimately need to translate into trophies and improved results.

There are now signs that McInnes’ team is beginning to find its rhythm. Wednesday’s narrow 1-0 victory over St Mirren extended Rangers’ winning run to four matches and set them up for two huge Old Firm meetings.

However, there was another intriguing development during the game, with teenage St Mirren prospect Marcello De Barros introduced from the bench.

Rangers previously tried to sign De Barros

De Barros has already attracted plenty of attention after becoming one of the youngest players to feature in the Scottish Premiership. Remarkably, his league debut came against Rangers at Ibrox when he was only 15.

Although the occasion ended in disappointment for the youngster, with Bojan Miovski scoring a late winner for Rangers, the experience was undoubtedly a significant milestone in his emerging career.

It has now emerged that Rangers had previously explored the possibility of bringing De Barros to Ibrox.

According to academy-focused account RFC Youths on X, Rangers made an attempt to sign the highly rated youngster, although the exact timing of the approach has not been disclosed.

The report claims De Barros ultimately rejected the opportunity and opted to continue his development with St Mirren.

Could Rangers return for De Barros?

There is an argument that remaining with St Mirren may currently be the better route for De Barros.

A move to Rangers at such a young age would not necessarily have guaranteed first-team opportunities. McInnes is under significant pressure to deliver results after a major summer investment, meani