Rangers backed to make ‘bargain’ summer swoop for £8m-rated Elias Jelert
Rangers have been backed to sign Galatasaray star Elias Jelert, who is currently out on loan with Southampton in the Championship.
The right-back has experience in both the Champions League and Europa League at a young age, and could be available for cheap this summer.
Galatasaray bought him from FC Copenhagen in July of 2024 for £8million, and was sent on loan to the Saints for this campaign.
The 22-year-old has suffered injuries this season, which means that Southampton are unlikely to trigger an £8.5m buy option, especially considering they may fail to achieve promotion.
Rangers could swoop in for Jelert, who is being tipped to be available for a lower price than £8m this summer, if things fall in favour of the Bears.
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Elias Jelert tipped to be James Tavernier replacement
Graeme Young for the Daily Record believes that Jelert can be someone the Bears look to target this summer, as James Tavernier’s long Ibrox stay comes to an end.
The journalist has said that the Dane “ripped it up” for Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League in the past, and could be a “bargain” signing for the Gers.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Games | 7 |
| Pass success | 80.6% |
| Dribble success | 61.5% |
| Defensive contributions | 37 |
| Clean sheets | 2 |
It’s claimed that Southampton fans are big believers in Jelert, though they have been unable to see him play as much as they would have liked due to injuries.
The full-back is contracted to Galatasaray until 2029, and the Turkish giants may not want to risk his value plummeting even further by selling him this summer.
That said, it could be a low-risk gamble for Rangers to make, as evidence of his high potential is there for all to see.
What other names have been mentioned?
There will likely be a host of names as to who could replace Tavernier this summer, and there have already been suggestions of Dundee United’s Luca Stephenson being handed the baton.
Either way, whoever comes in will have a major task on their hands to fill the boots of Tavernier, who some believe could have stayed on for another season.
Other names that have been mentioned are Denso Kasius of AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, who is an attacking-minded wing-back that has a great crossing accuracy.
Another is Hibernian star Josh Mulligan, who has been linked with a move to Ibrox in the past. Hibs do not want to sell the versatile player, and given Rangers missed out on signing him last summer for free, it would be silly of the 49ers to spend big money this time around.
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