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Report - Rangers plot seven-figure summer swoop for int'l hitman
Rangers are considering a £8.8 million for Trabzonspor striker Caleb Ekuban, according to Turkish outlet Fotospor.
The 25-year-old joined the Super Lig outfit on a permanent transfer from Leeds United last summer having initially arrived on a loan deal in 2018.
So far this season he has hit eight goals in 24 appearances in all competitions, including four in four in Europa League qualifying.
It is understood that the Gers are considering a move for the Ghanian international as a potential replacement for Alfredo Morelos, who emerged as a target for both Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan during the January transfer window, as per Football Insider.
However, the report also states that Trabzonspor are keen to keep hold of the striker, who is also attracting interest from Lazio, and will hold out for nearly 10 times the £900,000 they paid for him less than 12 months ago.
Would Ekuban be a good signing for Rangers?
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There is always an element of risk involved with buying a player from abroad, and it feels as if that gamble is only heightened when the talent in question is a frontman.
A lot can go wrong for a forward in a new country, and the last thing Rangers can afford is to have a flop leading the line when they’re trying to precent Celtic from landing 10-in-a-row.
There are a couple of caveats to this, however.
Firstly, it sounds as if this deal will only be pursued if Morelos is sold.
Of course, we’ve all heard the rumours and we’re all worried by the speculation, but there are no guarantees that El Bufalo is going anywhere this summer.
If he does stay put, we can probably forget about this one coming to fruition.
Secondly, Ekuban has been doing pretty well over in Turkey this term.
The Ghanian actually has a higher total action success rate than Morelos, edging him out by 51.3% to 48.5%, as per Wyscout.
Similarly, his pass completion rate stands at 81.1% – 5.9% better than Morelos’.
Sure, his xG is 0.36 compared to Morelos’ 0.74, but his actual goals per game tally is an impress 0.45, meaning that he’s finishing chances that he isn’t even expected too.
If Rangers do make a move, then they could well be getting a well-rounded forward with plenty to be excited about.
In other Rangers news, ‘Bitter blow’ – Alex Rae claims Gerrard must risk Ibrox ace v Bayer Leverkusen.