This isn’t a suggestion that Rangers bring in five new strikers. This is a look at some players who have been rumoured, and some who haven’t, and what they could bring to Rangers lacklustre front line. It’s not secret Rangers need to add more goals this summer and these five would definitely do that.
Josh Maja – The highly rated 24 year old is out of contract this summer having surprised many by staying loyal to Bordeaux on their relegation to Ligue 2. It does now, however, look like he’ll be leaving the club upon his contract expiry.
A long term target of Rangers dating back to Steven Gerrard’s time at the club he’s enjoyed a great season this year. His key stats are;
- 35 Appearances (32 Starts)
- 16G/6A
- 166mins Per Goal
- 23% Goal Conversion Rate
He’s a popular player who gained a lot of screen time on the documentary ‘Sunderland Till I Die’ and came across as a mature and ambitious young player. Since then he’s had experience in Ligue 1 and 2, the EPL and more playing time in the English Championship. He’s played a lot of football for a player his age and is looking for a club to call home.
He’s technically gifted and an outstanding finisher, preferring to drill the ball low into the corners when he takes a strike. He’s good at bringing others into the play and creating chances for team mates, he created 8 big chances this season and averages 1.2 key passes per game.
His pace and ball carrying ability means he’s capable of playing on the wings but he’s much more effective through the middle. Touted for big things as a youngster, a move to Rangers would represent the chance to show what he can do on the European stage.
For a free transfer this one feels like a no brainer, if a player of his quality, in a position that needs strengthened, becomes available for free then you have to jump at that chance.
He was recently ask on Rangers interest but remained quiet on the situation, stating that he was only focused on the end of the season with Bordeaux. Time will tell if Rangers make a serious bid for Maja but it’s a deal that club will definitely be exploring.
Jean-Phillipe Krasso – Another player from Ligue 2 who was linked in January. Like Maja, his contract is also up this summer and he’s looking to step up a level.
The 25 year old has enjoyed an excellent season for St. Etienne, his key stats are;
- 32 Appearances (30 Starts)
- 16G/9A
- 170mins Per Goal
- 22% Goal Conversion
An all round forward, he excels at being in the right place at the right time. He’s also excellent at bringing others in to play and creating chances for his team mates. He currently averages 1.7 key passes per game for the season with 9 big chances created.
He likes to get involved and stuck in and has averaged 7.8 duels per game. A strong forward capable of playing up top on their own, he’s a great option for the club on a free transfer.
This is a rumour which has gone cold since January but Michael Beale suggests the club are far on in their negotiations for players. Could Krasso be one of them?
Jerry Yates – One of the many players linked from the English Championship. A few of around £5m was apparently being quoted but with Blackpool being relegated it seems unrealistic for them to demand such a fee.
Yates is another who has been linked to the club previously and in the last few weeks rumours have circulated that Rangers may ignite their interest in the 26 year old Englishmen. His key stats for this season are;
- 41 Appearances (39 Starts)
- 14G/4A
- 241mins Per Goal
- 21% Goal Conversion Rate
These numbers become all the more impressive considering how much Blackpool struggled this season. Capable of playing all across the frontline, someone with Yates versatility could be a key addition in a summer where the club will potentially have to bring 10+ players.
He’s quick and exciting with the ball at his feet, he’s always looking to make space and get a shot away. All of his goals have come from inside the box this season, highlighting his finishing ability.
He’s a nightmare for defenders and always presses high, never giving them a moments rest. He fits the profile of an exciting attacking addition but this one would all depend on the fee Blackpool are demanding.
Petar Ratkov – Strongly linked in January the 19 year old Serbian has only gotten better as the season has went on. Very highly rated around Europe and has also been targeted by Anderlecht.
A fee of around £3m was apparently quoted in the winter transfer window and with his stock rising since then it may take even more to prize him away from Backa Topola. His key stats this season are;
- 33 Appearances (28 Starts)
- 10G/3A
- 229mins Per Goal
- 14% Goal Conversion
A much more raw talent than the previous three players mentioned. He’s definitely more a project signing but he looks to have a very high ceiling.
Standing at 6’3 he would immediately be a different option to what Rangers currently have. This season he’s won 59% of his aerial duels on 3.4 per game.
Kevin Nisbet – This isn’t one that’s came from the club but rather a section of fans. This is one which could make perfect sense though. He’s entering into the last year of his deal so would be available in a cut price deal. He’s also homegrown, so another first team quality player for the quota is never a bad thing.
His performance in front of goal since his return from injury has been excellent. His key stats from this season are;
- 16 Appearances (13 Starts)
- 10G/1A
- 111mins Per Goal
- 23% Goal Conversion
An instinctive finisher with terrific movement inside and outside the box. He’s always willing to run in behind and make cutting runs from the wing. He’s proven he can score for fun in this league it’s just whether he could make the step up in Europe.
If he’s available for a similar price to what the club paid for Colak last summer it’s an option that needs to be explored. Even more so if the rumours are true and the club are looking to sell Colak. Nisbet is an ideal replacement as a goal getter.
Many more rumours will come and go before the end of the transfer window but what do you think of these options? Who would you prefer from these five?