Lawrence Shankland joins Rangers from Hearts in long-awaited boyhood club move

Rangers have completed the signing of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts, with the Scotland international striker fulfilling what he described as a lifelong ambition by joining his boyhood club on a two-year deal, with an option for a third year, for an undisclosed fee.

Shankland, 30, leaves Tynecastle having scored 88 goals in 171 appearances across four seasons, a record that made him one of the most prolific strikers in Scottish football. Last season he captained Hearts through a title challenge that came within touching distance of ending Celtic’s dominance — only for a final-day defeat at Parkhead to hand the championship back to their rivals. Rangers, meanwhile, finished third.

“Rangers is my boyhood club, and it has always been a dream to play here, so I was really keen to get it done,” Shankland told Rangers TV. “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.”

The move ends a pursuit that has stretched over more than a year. Shankland came close to signing for Rangers last summer when he was out of contract, but a deal was not concluded at that stage. He will now join the Ibrox club before the World Cup, with the transfer window opening on 15 June.

Rangers manager Danny Rohl welcomed the signing as a statement of intent. “He is a player with proven quality, leadership and work ethic, and his goalscoring record in Scotland speaks for itself,” Rohl said. “He understands the demands and expectations that come with playing for Rangers, and we believe his character and experience will be a huge asset for the group.”

Hearts confirmed the departure in a brief statement, thanking Shankland for his contribution during his four years in Gorgie. The club did not disclose the transfer fee.