Raman Bharadwaj of STV reports that Rangers are pushing hard for Hansa Rostock forward Ryan Naderi. The timing is still up in the air. Bharadwaj notes that Rangers are currently aiming for a summer move. However, he makes it clear that a few moving parts could speed things up.
Naderi deal hangs in the balance for Rangers
This might bring the 22-year-old to Ibrox before the end of this month. A lot depends on players leaving the Glasgow club or a quick deal on the transfer fee with the German side. It’s a delicate situation. While Rangers seem to want a pre-contract or a summer deal, the market is moving fast. Fans should not count out a January move if things fall into place. However, the club have officially announced the signing, subject to international clearance.
Is this a smart move or a last resort?
Rangers are looking at Naderi, a massive 1.94m striker currently playing in the German third division. This target shows a clear change in how the club are scouting. At just 22, Naderi is more of a raw talent than a finished product. He moved from the Borussia Mönchengladbach youth system to Hansa Rostock. He hasn’t played for the senior German national team yet, so he remains an uncapped prospect.
Is this the right call?
Looking at the facts, there is a lot of risk here. Moving from the German third tier to the high pressure of the Scottish Premiership is a big jump. Rangers need goals right now, but Naderi is mostly about potential. That is why the wide gap between his current level and what’s expected at Ibrox is a real concern.
Can Naderi actually fix Rangers’ tactical problems?
Many will argue that a young player from a lower league can’t carry the scoring load alone. Rangers need goals immediately to save their season. To be honest, Rangers appear to be looking at Naderi, a ‘project player’, as a saviour when he might not be ready.
The club have to throw him straight into a title race. That kind of pressure needs an experienced head, not someone still learning the game. His height and strength give the team a Plan B they don’t have right now.
Still, it would be a huge mistake for the staff to rely on him to lead the line right away. Ideally, if he signed in the summer, it would have given him a full pre-season to settle in. He could have then avoided the madness and pressure of the winter deadline day.
