With Cyriel Dessers set for an extended spell on the sidelines after being forced off injured in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League third-round qualifier second leg, the need for a new striker at Ibrox has become paramount.
Danilo remains nowhere near full fitness after spending the best part of two seasons on the treatment table, while the future of Hamza Igamane is still uncertain, leaving Russell Martin dangerously short of options up front.
A potential loan move for Josh Gentles to Raith Rovers may also be delayed in light of Dessers’ setback.
Rangers have strengthened across the park this summer, with ten new arrivals through the Ibrox doors, but notably, none of them are strikers.
Linked throughout the window with names such as Dor Turgeman, Bojan Miovski, and Matija Frigan, the club may now turn their attention to one of European football’s most intriguing young prospects.
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Csanád Vilmos Dénes is fast emerging as a star of Hungarian football.
At just 20 years old, he is already a regular for Zalaegerszeg in the Nemzeti Bajnokság I, Hungary’s top flight. Despite ZTE finishing 10th of 12 last season, Dénes shone, scoring five goals and providing seven assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
A Hungarian Under-21 international, he has already been linked with Hibernian and Celtic this summer. However, a move to Scotland’s biggest club could prove more tempting.
Capable of playing on the right, through the middle, or even in the No. 10 role for his country, Dénes would offer Martin both depth and versatility.
His strengths include his pace and directness, with excellent ball control and the ability to use both feet, he is however still lightweight at his age, an issue for many players arriving into the physical Scottish league.
Speaking recently to Nemzeti Sport, the youngster said: “It’s a special joy to be able to kick off in front of our own fans.
“We’re preparing to play attacking football, create a lot of chances, and of course, take as many of them as possible.”
This shows he is already capable of performing for an attacking team, and would relish the chance to play in front of the Ibrox crowd.
A fee in the region of £1 million could be enough to bring him to Ibrox, leaving scope for another forward signing depending on the severity of Dessers’ injury and the outcome of Igamane’s situation.
Whether Rangers make their move remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, additional firepower is needed this season.
Too long have Rangers lacked a clinical, consistent finisher. While Dénes may not be that player just yet, he has the talent and temperament to become one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards in the near future.