Rangers now in hunt to sign South African forward Tashreeq Matthews after he sends shockwaves through Europe
Rangers want to sign Sirius IK star Tashreeq Matthews but face competition from Kaizer Chiefs and AZ Alkmaar, according to SNL24.
Writing on their website (8 January), the South African news outlet with over 1m followers on X report that the Ibrox club have expressed an interest in the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
But they face competition for his signature, with the 23-year-old now the centre of a three-horse race for his signature in the January transfer window.
“The Siya crew reported that the Chiefs were keen on the Sirius IK midfielder, though they had not made an approach to the Swedish side at the time,” they wrote.
“The crew subsequently reported that despite not making a formal offer, Chiefs remain keen on the 23-year-old, whose impressive stats in 2023 sent shockwaves throughout Europe.
“Now, reliable sources have informed the Siya crew that Scottish giants Rangers have expressed an interest in Matthews but are not the only team keen on his services.
“Dutch giants AZ Alkmaar have also thrown their name in the hat to land the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder.”
Talent
Rangers have to shop in a different market to most teams competing in Europe, and Matthews would represent exactly that.
Matthews has been in Europe for a while playing for Dortmund but not really making an impact there, but he has shone in Sweden and is clearly ready to step up another level or two.
In the 2023 Allsvenskan the 23-year-old has registered 10 goals and 10 assists in 30 appearances, and if he can bring that level of output to Ibrox he would certainly solve a lot of our issues in front of goal.
He plays primarily as a winger but is also capable of playing as a number ten or even slightly deeper in midfield, which would add competition to the squad and also provide Philippe Clement with extra firepower for the second half of the season.
It can be safely assumed that a deal would be within the club’s budget considering where he’s coming from, but this is one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
In other Rangers news, ‘Concrete’ update emerges on £58k pw star Clement wants to sign.