Lawrence Shankland explains move from Hearts to Rangers as transfer completed

Lawrence Shankland has admitted fulfilling a lifelong dream played a major role in his decision to complete a sensational move from Hearts to Rangers.

The Scotland striker has agreed a switch to Ibrox after Rangers moved quickly to secure one of the Scottish Premiership’s most prolific forwards following another outstanding campaign at Tynecastle.

Shankland becomes the first signing of the summer under new Rangers boss Danny Rohl, who identified the 30-year-old as one of his top transfer priorities ahead of the new season.

The former Hearts captain enjoyed another superb year in Edinburgh, scoring 20 goals and registering six assists in 34 appearances as he helped drive the club’s title challenge deep into the campaign.

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Hearts ultimately fell short against Celtic on the final day despite Shankland opening the scoring in a dramatic Premiership showdown.

The striker had appeared likely to leave Tynecastle last summer before eventually agreeing a contract extension following Derek McInnes’ arrival as manager.

However, it is believed the deal included a release clause allowing him to depart this summer for a relatively modest fee, paving the way for Rangers to make their move.

Shankland, a boyhood Rangers supporter, quickly agreed personal terms once interest from Ibrox intensified.

The forward even cut short his holiday in order to finalise the transfer and complete a medical ahead of officially joining the club when the transfer window opens on June 15.

He has signed a two-year contract with the option of an additional season and is set to wear Rangers’ famous No 7 shirt.

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After sealing the move, Shankland admitted joining Rangers had always been one of his biggest career ambitions.

“I am delighted to be here and to have this opportunity,” he said. “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 Scotland international also made clear he wants to help Rangers restore regular success and challenge for major honours again.

“The club are in a position where they want to get back to winning silverware more regularly,” Shankland added.

“And I want to be a big part of that, so that’s what I have come here to do.”

Shankland had previously been linked with Rangers during uncertainty surrounding his future at Hearts last year.

Former interim boss Barry Ferguson even admitted he would have attempted to sign the striker had he secured the role permanently.

This time, however, Rangers moved decisively to land one of the most sought-after forwards in Scottish football before he joins up with the national team.

Shankland has been named in Steve Clarke’s 26-man Scotland squad for the World Cup and is due to travel to North America with the national side next week.

He departs Hearts after scoring 88 goals across 171 appearances during a hugely successful four-year spell in Edinburgh.

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