The club were found to have assembled a squad performing below expectations relative to their estimated financial resources, raising questions about the effectiveness of their recruitment strategy.

The Global State of Football report, produced by football analytics company PLAIER in collaboration with the University of St Gallen, assessed Rangers' squad as 6.4 per cent worse than expected based on their estimated budget.

That figure earned Rangers an F grade for recruitment efficiency, placing them bottom of the Premiership standings in that category. The findings represent a stark assessment of Rangers' transfer strategy following a period of significant squad turnover.

Rather than simply measuring the success of individual signings, the study examines the quality of squads assembled by clubs relative to the financial resources available to them.

However, the report delivered a more encouraging assessment of the team's performances on the pitch. Rangers received a C grade for coaching efficiency, suggesting their results were more closely aligned with the quality of players available than their recruitment rating might indicate.

Derek McInnes has overseen an improvement in results since taking charge, with Rangers looking to establish themselves as serious challengers for domestic silverware.

But the report's findings underline the importance of getting recruitment decisions right as the club looks to build a squad capable of delivering sustained success.

The F grade is based on the study's statistical model rather than a direct assessment of individual signings or the current management team.