Rangers striker situation may yet take another late twist, with fresh discussions under way over Ryan Naderi despite an agreement reported to already being in place for a summer move.
The Ibrox club had settled on a deal structure with Hansa Rostock that would see the forward arrive at the end of the season, in line with the German 3. Liga side’s desire to retain their leading attacker for the remainder of their promotion push.
However, dialogue between the clubs has continued into deadline day, raising the possibility that the timeline could yet shift.
According to Sky Sports Naderi has travelled to the United Kingdom and has landed at Manchester Airport in anticipation of a potential breakthrough, with a medical prepared should the two clubs find a late compromise.
That development suggests Rangers are testing Rostock’s resolve one final time, likely exploring alternative structures, with an increase in the immediate transfer fee, originally believed to be in excess of £3 million.
From Rangers perspective, the motivation is clear. The club have struggled to land an immediate attacking reinforcement, with other routes stalling.
A move for Cameron Archer has cooled due to Southampton’s reluctance to weaken their squad without a replacement, while interest in Joel Piroe has not advanced amid the player’s preference to remain in the English Premier League.
That has placed greater weight on the Naderi track, even though the original agreement was geared toward long-term planning rather than short-term necessity.
Rangers have effectively already committed significant funds to the deal, and bringing the player in early would provide immediate depth alongside Yousef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski whilst allowing Danilo to complete his loan move to Dutch Eredivisie side NEC.
For Rostock, the equation is different. Their push for promotion from the German third tier has been built in part around Naderi’s output and losing him without a replacement would be a sporting risk.
Their stance throughout negotiations has been consistent: a summer exit is acceptable, a January one far more difficult.
The player’s presence in the UK, though, introduces a tangible sense that the situation is live rather than theoretical. It is a sign of intent from Rangers and a willingness from Naderi to accelerate the move if allowed.
As the clock ticks down, this has the feel of a classic deadline-day standoff, Rangers pushing for immediate reinforcement, Rostock weighing sporting priorities against financial opportunity. Whether that balance tips in the coming hours will determine if Naderi becomes a future signing only, or a late addition for the title run in.