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Rangers’ best bet: Why Krasso is the ideal Morelos replacement

By Hikithe Achumi

Bordeaux's Nigerian forward Josh Maja shoots and scores a goal during the French Cup round-of-64 football match between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and AS Jumeaux de Mzouazia at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France on December 19, 2021. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP) (Photo by THIBAUD MORITZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Bordeaux's Nigerian forward Josh Maja shoots and scores a goal during the French Cup round-of-64 football match between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and AS Jumeaux de Mzouazia at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, southwestern France on December 19, 2021. (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP) (Photo by THIBAUD MORITZ/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Jean-Phillipe Krasso may not be a familiar name to Rangers fans, but he should be higher on the club’s shopping list than Josh Maja.

When Alfredo Morelos was first linked with a £16.25m move to Lille, the former Sunderland striker Maja seemed to top Ross Wilson’s wish list.

Maja has recently been linked again, and as a potential free transfer, he appears an attractive option. With 14 goals and 5 assists in 34 games, Maja has had a solid season.

However, Jean-Phillipe Krasso at St. Etienne has had an even better one. Rangers should make a move for him immediately, if they haven’t already.

The Ivory Coast international has 16 goals and 9 assists in just 29 appearances, at a far superior strike rate per minute. Here’s why Rangers should target Krasso over Maja:

According to analyst Patrick Caskie, who has scouted for The Rangers Review, Krasso bests Maja in every category but aerial duels, and even there only marginally.

At 6 feet 2 inches, the 25-year-old Krasso is more than capable in the air. More importantly for a team that dominates possession and needs a versatile striker, Krasso is also an adept ball carrier.

Compared to Maja, Krasso wins more battles at both ends and excels at dribbling and making progressive runs. In short, he’s an Alfredo Morelos replacement and more.

If Morelos is El Bufalo, Jean-Phillipe Krasso is a colossus of a striker who won’t lack for offers. But Rangers should be beating down his door.

Domestically, Rangers need a striker who will score and handle the physicality. In Europe, they need someone dynamic who can involve others. Krasso fits the bill.

Why Jean-Phillipe Krasso is the ideal Morelos replacement

Better yet, Krasso is available on a free transfer. He meets the criteria Michael Beale mentioned in January, of a forward he had eyed for summer who wasn’t then available.

St. Etienne, unlike Bordeaux, have no chance at promotion, so the Ivorian giant will move on, though he’s yet to formally announce his plans.

With money tight and a rebuild needed, a proven free striker is a perfect start. And Krasso is as good as they come. Rangers would do well to make him a top target over Josh Maja.

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