Rangers transfer depends on Champions League as big-money move wanted at Ibrox
A potential big money transfer for Rangers before the window closes may depend on whether or not they reach the Champions League group stages, according to Andy Newport.
The journalist shared his verdict in the print edition of the Daily Record (Monday 21 August, Page 37) and explained that for Michael Beale to sign a new wide option this summer, the Light Blues will have to reach the group stage of Europe’s premier competition.
Rangers face PSV in the play-off round, with the first leg at Ibrox on Tuesday (21 August) and a replacement for Ryan Kent will require a fee that can only be spent if Champions League qualification is secured.
Discussing the Gers position between now and the end of the window, Newport said: “Michael Beale’s looking for someone in the Ryan Kent mould but they don’t come cheap so I suspect that move will depend on Gers reaching the Champions League.”
Pressure is on
The pressure is well and truly on at Ibrox ahead of the clash with PSV as the result across the two legs could have just as big an impact domestically ad it will do on the Light Blues’ campaign in Europe this season.
Beale has been vocal in his desire for a replacement for Kent and while some have marked Rabbi Matondo as a potential option out wide after he impressed in the Gers’ win over Morton in the Viaplay Cup, he probably isn’t yet at the quality of a Champions League outfit.
If Rangers manage to get past PSV it could well be a busy end to the window, with an immediate influx of cash allowing them to possibly move for targets that otherwise would have been well out of the price range this summer.
For Beale and the rest of the Rangers squad that makes their task very simple. If they reach the Champions League group stage, they’ll be much more likely to beat Celtic to the title and enjoy their time in Europe with an extra wide option.
In other Rangers news, Beale has called for a typical Rangers night ahead of the visit of PSV