With an Old Firm derby to come this weekend, you’d be forgiven for thinking Rangers’ sole priority lay there.
However, after winning the title, they can wipe the league from their mind and focus directly on their European ambitions. A strong run in the Europa League could well be game-changing for their transfer plans.
What’s the word?
According to 90min, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Aaron-Salem Boupendza from Hatayspor this summer.
The winger has lit up the Turkish league and is having an outstanding season, so much so that he’s attracted the eyes of Celtic too.
Also in the race to sign Boupendza are several sides in the English Premier League. It’s thought that Arsenal and Tottenham are both monitoring his situation while Boupendza is fielding interest from, Leicester, West Ham, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Wolves.
The Gabon international is currently valued at just £6.3m according to Transfermarkt.
Bye-bye Kent
A mass exodus from Ibrox this summer given their success would be surprising. That being said, with English clubs doing the rounds of Scotland on a regular basis, it could happen.
Should Rangers cash in on Kent if a big bid arrives?
Definitely
No thanks
Alfredo Morelos is consistently linked with a move away while Ryan Kent has caught the eye of Leeds United for the best part of two years now.
If Boupendza arrives, it could well give Steven Gerrard the freedom to move the former Liverpool winger on.
That’s because Rangers’ transfer target plays in a similar position to Kent. On top of that, he’s also more clinical.
Kent has been one of the Gers’ best players this term, finding the net on 11 occasions and providing 13 assists. Boupendza, who is currently playing in Turkey, has been red hot in front of goal.
The 24-year-old has racked up 18 strikes in all competitions and has made himself a nuisance for nearly every defender in the Super Lig.
So far this term, Boupendza has recorded 2.7 dribbles per game; attempting 109 take-ons throughout the course of the current campaign. His agility and quick feet are scintillating to watch, and trumps that of anyone in Gerrard’s side.
For context, Joe Aribo is the Glaswegian’s top dribbler this term, completing two per match.
Consequently, not only would they seal an upgrade here, but the SPFL winners would also land themselves a player capable of giving them something different in the final third.
It remains to be seen how Boupendza would transition to live in Scotland, but judging by the dazzling skills he’s shown out in Turkey, he could tear the Premiership to shreds.
He is a lively ball of energy, a player who could well usurp Kent if he’s signed in the summer.
AND in other news, Wilson shouldn’t rush transfer decision on Rangers ace Gerrard dubbed a “real threat”…