Rangers have been handed a prime opportunity to sign Hearts striker Claudio Braga this summer after the Light Blues made two free-agent raids on Tynecastle. The Gers sit second in the Premiership with 69 points from 33 games, just one point behind leaders Hearts, and are closing in on a £9.3m deal for the Portuguese ace.
Why Claudio Braga could be heading to Ibrox
Derek McInnes is building an ambitious project at Ibrox after almost winning the Premiership with Hearts last season. The Gers boss has already signed Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin from Tynecastle on free transfers, and Braga could be next. The 2025–26 PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year scored 14 league goals last season and thrived under McInnes, making him a natural target for the Light Blues.
Hearts, meanwhile, have slumped under new manager Wouter Vrancken. The Belgian's first competitive game in charge ended in a humiliating 4-0 Champions League defeat to Sturm Graz, dropping the Jam Tarts into the Europa League. That European decline weakens Hearts' hand in any transfer negotiations with Braga, giving Rangers the ultimate leverage to seal a deal.
What Rangers must do to land Claudio Braga
Rangers will likely need to match Ipswich Town's £9.3m valuation to sign Braga from Hearts. The Gers have already seen the striker's game in action this season and are confident he fits their plans. Danilo looks set to leave Ibrox, but Braga's arrival would mean two more strikers-Youssef Chermiti, Ryan Naderi and Bojan Miovski-could be surplus to requirements.
McInnes must clear space in his squad before making the move official. With Rangers sitting second in the Premiership on 69 points from 33 games, the timing is perfect to strengthen their attack. The Gers' recent form sees them on a three-game winning run, including a 2-1 win over Saint Etienne on July 22, 2026, keeping their title hopes alive.
What comes next for Rangers and Hearts
Rangers face Hearts in the next Premiership clash on October 28, 2026, with the Edinburgh side currently top of the table. Braga's potential arrival would add firepower to McInnes' side as they push for the title. Hearts, meanwhile, must regroup after their European exit and regroup under Vrancken to keep pace in the title race.
Rangers' transfer business continues as they target Braga to bolster their attack before the October 28, 2026 showdown with Hearts.
