Rangers late-window striker search may be pivoting once again, with a new name emerging as a serious contingency option.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the journalist who was leading the news on Rangers recruitment of Andreas Skov Olsen, Leeds United forward Joël Piroe is now one of the leading candidates to join Rangers on loan until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old uncapped Dutch striker, who is also eligible for Suriname, has come into sharper focus as uncertainty continues to surround a proposed move for Hansa Rostock’s Ryan Naderi, with the German club currently resisting attempts to strike a deal.
Piroe, under contract at Elland Road until 2027, represents a different profile but one that would still address Rangers need for a proven, physically capable centre-forward as they look to reshape their attacking department for the Scottish Premiership title run-in.
Rangers have been pursuing Naderi for several days. The 22-year-old German has seven goals and five assists in 17, 3. Liga matches this campaign, and Danny Rohl’s side have reportedly submitted a €3 million offer for the striker.
Despite Rostock manager Daniel Brinkmann stating earlier in the window that the club would not stand in the forward’s way if a bigger side came calling, they have reportedly rejected that bid, anticipating further interest from clubs in Germany, Austria and Portugal.
Piroe offers both similarities and differences compared to Naderi. Standing at 6ft 1, he brings physical presence and a proven scoring record, netting 19 goals for Leeds last season as they secured promotion from the English Championship.
Unlike Naderi, he also has extensive experience in British football, alongside European pedigree from his time at PSV Eindhoven.
The Dutchman has been prolific at Championship level, producing two 20+ goal seasons at Swansea before his move to Leeds, where he scored 33 goals in 97 appearances across two seasons. However, the step up to the Premier League has proven challenging this term, with no goals in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Naderi remains Rangers primary target this window. Meanwhile, Kieron Bowie is set to join Hellas Verona from Hibernian, ending Rangers interest in the €6 million-rated forward.
The club are also exploring experienced loan options up front should neither Piroe nor Naderi arrive, alongside continued efforts to recruit an experienced number six.
Elsewhere, Danilo, whose departure would open space in the attacking unit, appears set for a return to the Netherlands. The Brazilian is close to joining Eredivisie side NEC on loan until the summer, with no option or obligation to buy.
Personal circumstances have played a role, with his wife recently giving birth, making a temporary move a more suitable solution.
Leeds previously rejected a loan approach from Celtic for Piroe earlier this month. Rangers vice-chairman Paraag Marathe is also chairman of Leeds, and that joint-relationship at board level is viewed as a positive factor should Rangers desire to conclude this deal.
Rangers have two loan slots available despite having six players on temporary deals - both Mikey Moore and Jayden Meghoma are exempt from the count as they are under 21.