Rangers Ramp Up Striker Search

Rangers Ramp Up Striker Search

Rangers are intensifying their hunt for a new striker as manager Russell Martin looks to bolster the squad ahead of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season. With the futures of current forwards Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers uncertain, the Ibrox club is actively pursuing multiple high-profile targets, including Girona’s Bojan Miovski, PSV Eindhoven’s Luuk de Jong, and Premier League legend Jamie Vardy, according to recent reports.

Bojan Miovski: A Familiar Face Targeted for a Return

Rangers have set their sights on Girona striker Bojan Miovski, a former Aberdeen star who made a significant impact in the Scottish Premiership. The 26-year-old Macedonian, who scored an impressive 44 goals in 98 matches for the Dons, endured a challenging debut season in La Liga, netting just four goals in 21 appearances across all competitions following his £6.8 million move to Girona last summer. Despite his struggles in Spain, Miovski’s proven goal-scoring pedigree in Scotland has made him a prime target for Rangers, with Macedonian outlet Gol reporting that the club is preparing an offer. However, Rangers face competition from Bundesliga clubs Freiburg and Hamburg, who are also monitoring the forward’s situation should Girona opt to sell.

Luuk de Jong: A Veteran Option with European Pedigree

Speculation surrounding a move for PSV Eindhoven’s Luuk de Jong is gaining traction, with the 34-year-old free agent reportedly “open” to a switch to the Scottish Premiership. The former Barcelona, Newcastle United, and Sevilla striker, who captained PSV to back-to-back Eredivisie titles and scored 14 goals last season, has been in direct discussions with his current manager, Peter Bosz, about a potential move to Rangers. Bosz confirmed to Ziggo Sport that while he hopes to retain De Jong, the chances of the striker signing a new contract with PSV are “almost zero.” De Jong, who famously scored against Rangers in a 5-1 Champions League qualifying rout in 2023, is also weighing offers from Major League Soccer and the Middle East, as well as considering a “good foreign adventure” for the twilight of his career. PSV’s new captain, Jerdy Schouten, expressed hope that De Jong would return, telling ESPN, “I have been in contact with Luuk de Jong, but he knows very well that we would like to have him with us.”

Jamie Vardy: A Premier League Icon in the Frame

Rangers are also in the race to sign Jamie Vardy, the 38-year-old former Leicester City striker who became a free agent after his contract expired this summer. Vardy, a Premier League icon with over 100 top-flight goals, was reportedly close to joining Serie A side Genoa before the deal collapsed, allegedly due to an intervention by manager Patrick Vieira. Former Manchester United scout Mick Brown told The Inside Track that Vardy is Rangers’ top target, with Martin valuing his experience and goal-scoring prowess. “I hear he’s the one they want to sign ahead of whichever other strikers they’re being linked to,” Brown said. “The manager likes him and would value his experience.” Vardy has reportedly informed his representatives that he seeks a club where he can be a regular starter or a key substitute for a top team, making Rangers an attractive destination. Martin remained coy when asked about Vardy after a 2-2 pre-season draw with Club Brugge, telling BBC Sport, “I’ve been asked about so many players. Some are miles away, some on the money.”

Addressing a Striker Crisis

The pursuit of Miovski, De Jong, and Vardy underscores Rangers’ urgent need to reinforce their attacking line. With Igamane inching closer to a move to Lille and last season’s top scorer Dessers pushing for a transfer to AEK Athens, Martin is tasked with filling a significant goal-scoring void. The trio of departed or departing forwards—Igamane, Dessers, and Vaclav Cerny—contributed 63 goals last season, making the acquisition of proven strikers a top priority. Daily Record also reported that Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Dor Turgeman is on Rangers’ shortlist, with a £5.1 million price tag attached, further highlighting the club’s aggressive approach in the transfer market.

A New Era Under Russell Martin

Under the stewardship of new owners Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises, Rangers are aiming to make a statement in the transfer window. The potential signings of Miovski, a known quantity in Scotland, De Jong, a seasoned European campaigner, or Vardy, a Premier League legend, would signal significant ambition as Rangers prepare for the Scottish Premiership and upcoming Champions League qualifiers. Martin’s refusal to rule out these high-profile moves suggests that Ibrox could soon welcome a marquee addition to lead the line.As the transfer window heats up, Rangers fans will be eagerly awaiting developments, with the club’s striker search set to shape their prospects for the season ahead. Whether it’s Miovski’s return to Scottish football, De Jong’s experience, or Vardy’s proven quality, Rangers are poised to make a bold move to close the gap on rivals Celtic and compete on multiple fronts.

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