Rangers-linked Vaclav Cerny starts for Besiktas against Mohamed Diomande

Rangers' reported pursuit of Vaclav Cerny may not be as advanced as some reports in Turkey have suggested, despite claims that the Ibrox club have already held talks with Besiktas over the winger.

Reports from Turkey in recent days have suggested that Rangers are pushing to bring Cerny back to Glasgow, with some even claiming that an offer had been made for the Czech international.

However, there is now reason to exercise some caution over the extent of those discussions.

Cerny has been confirmed as a starter for Besiktas against FK Corum tonight, coming up against former Ibrox teammate Mohamed Diomande, providing an immediate indication that he remains involved in the first-team picture as the transfer deadline approaches.

Their manager, Vincenzo Italiano, reportedly green-lit Cerny’s departure, but has now opted to start the winger tonight.

Rangers links to Cerny

Rangers have been linked with Cerny for much of the summer after his hugely successful loan spell at Ibrox in 2024/25.

He scored 18 goals and provided nine assists during that campaign, but Rangers opted against making his move permanent before he subsequently joined the Turkish giants from Wolfsburg.  

The latest Turkish reports have painted a picture of Rangers and Beşiktaş negotiating directly, with one report claiming an €8 million Rangers offer had been made and the club were seeking €10 million.

There have also been reports that Besiktas are considering moving Cerny on because of their foreign-player quota situation.

But the picture around a potential Rangers return appears less straightforward than some of those reports suggest.

Cerny's position is particularly relevant. Earlier this month, reports claimed that the winger had personally told club officials that he did not want to leave the club after an alleged Rangers offer was rejected.

That does not necessarily rule out a move, particularly with the transfer window approaching its conclusion, but it does underline the difference between Rangers having an interest and a deal being genuinely close.

There has also been conflicting reporting over the willingness to let Cerny leave. Earlier in August, Turkish journalist Sercan Dikme reported that there was no current situation in which the club expected to separate from the winger.

More recent reports from the same source have suggested the situation has changed, with the side now apparently open to his departure.

The case for Vaclav Cerny

Cerny already knows the club, the Scottish game and the demands that come with playing at Ibrox. His previous spell also demonstrated the end product that he could bring to McInnes' side.

There is therefore a clear footballing case for Rangers to pursue him but reports of an agreed or imminent deal should be treated carefully at this stage.

Cerny's start against Corum is not proof that a transfer cannot happen, nor does it mean Rangers have abandoned their interest. It does, however, show that Besiktas continue to regard him as a first-team player while negotiations remain unresolved.

With the deadline approaching, the situation could still develop quickly.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow