According to TEAMtalk via Twitter Rangers could be set to battle with Celtic for the signing of 23-year-old Greek striker Anastasios Douvikas from FC Utrecht. He has been in great form in the Eredivise this season, in 31 Appearances (23 starts) he has scored 18 goals and gotten 4 assists.
He signed for Utrecht in July 2021 for £1m from Volos NFC in the Greek Super League. He only managed 9 goals in his first season so doubling his total is remarkable progression. It’s this development which has caught the attention of clubs like Rangers and Celtic.
He’s capable of finishing with both feet and the epitome of a poacher within the box. He plays like a more mobile version of Kris Boyd. He’s strong and can hold off defenders with ease. A different option to what Rangers have just now, Colak is a good finisher but doesn’t excel in holding the ball up the way Douvikas does.
Over the Dutch domestic season he averaged a goal every 114 minutes and he only averaged 66 minutes per game. His most impressive stat though, is his goal conversion rate which sits at 24%. This means he converts just about one in every four shots, far superior to any of Rangers current options.
He’s not the type of player who will come short and link the play with short, sharp passes. He’s much more like a stereotypical target man. Backs himself into defenders and makes them uncomfortable.
Similar to Jelavic in how good his one touch finishing is, he’d be a massive asset to the Rangers front line. As previously stated, he would be a different option up top for the club and it’s never a bad thing to be able to go to a plan B.
In the post by TEAMtalk there was no mention of transfer fees involved. This could be an interesting development if it’s true that both halves of the Old Firm are indeed interested.
Celtic have history with Greek strikers being signed from the Netherlands and it worked out well for them the last time. If Rangers do decide to go toe to toe for the 23 year old then it’ll be interesting where he ends up.
He has all the attributes to be a success in the SPFL and in Europe. This one will probably come down to the fee which FC Utrecht demand for him. Is Douvikas a striker which interests you? Would this be a signing which would excite you for the new season?
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