Finally, Rangers fans have been given some reason for optimism. After falling 16 points behind Celtic in the title race and being humiliated in the Scottish Cup by Queen’s Park, only an unlikely Europa League triumph will prevent them from ending a miserable season empty-handed. Phillipe Clement has already paid the price for the harrowing form, sacked last month and replaced by an old fan favourite in Barry Ferguson.
His interim stint has got off to a mixed start, but after Saturday’s home defeat to Motherwell, suddenly, there is hope for the future. The club has agreed in principle to accept a takeover bid from the group that owns the San Francisco 49ers – a move that should inject considerable funding into the club.
Express Sport looks at the players Rangers can now target to end Celtic’s dominance….
Vaclav Cerny
The Czech Republic international is already at Ibrox, having joined in the summer on a season-long loan from German side Wolfsburg. The forward has since impressed with 13 goals this season, but the mooted £8million fee appeared to be a stumbling block for the club’s ambitions to make his move permanent.
But with the 49ers’ financial backing, that block will certainly be removed. Sealing Cerny’s signing long-term would be a major addition, given that he’s already integrated into the squad and proven his ability to shine both domestically and in Europe.
Joe Gelhardt
The 49ers Enterprises group also owns Leeds United, which could now pave the way for Rangers to take stars from Elland Road at affordable prices. The club were linked to striker Joe Gelhardt in January, a transfer which could now suddenly materialise.
Gelhardt is currently on loan at Hull and is likely to be surplus to requirements if Daniel Farke’s side reach the Premier League. That should reopen the door for Rangers, who will be signing a 22-year-old who is thus far admittedly unproven but has definite potential.
Nikola Katic
Since leaving Rangers in 2022, speculation has been rife that the Bosnian international is set to return. Currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle from Swiss club Zurich, the centre-back was outstanding in their FA Cup win over Liverpool – showing his bravery by losing a tooth during the 90 minutes.
Having been integral to Rangers’ last title win in the 2019/20 campaign, Katic coming back would be popular with fans. And the financial aspect should no longer be a problem.
Bamo Meite
Linked to Rangers in the summer, a January move from Marseille was scuppered by injury. However, the 22-year-old Ivorian is in need of game time to aid his international ambitions and expect Rangers to now move back in
The defender is now at Montpellier for the remainder of the season. Chiefs in Scotland will be monitoring him closely and if he returns to form, are likely to swoop before the 2025/26 campaign.
