Rangers fans reckon Bordeaux striker Josh Maja could be the man Michael Beale was referencing as the Ibrox club reportedly step up the hunt for a new number 9.
The Gers have been hurt by a lack of squad depth in the position over the last 12 months, with Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe missing the Europa League Final and Antonio Colak suffering injuries this season.
It’s led Michael Beale to claim that he wants to sign a striker between January and the summer, with Nigerian international forward Josh Maja seemingly the perfect option.
First, here’s what Beale had to say about his interest in buying a new forward.
“I’d like to bring another No 9 into the building that is different to what we’ve got,” said Michael Beale in a recent Rangers transfer update before the midweek clash with Hearts [Rangers].
“My eyes are on that and I’ve got my target but he’s probably not available right now. He will be in the summer. I don’t want to give you names because everyone else might start liking him.
“I have my eye on a very specific name for the summer and hopefully we’ll be able to do that.”
Is Josh Maja Michael Beale’s Rangers target?
Rangers fans reckon Josh Maja is a solid option to be Michael Beale’s man for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the now 24-year-old striker was extensively linked with a move to Rangers in the January of 2019, before the former Sunderland hitman swapped the Stadium of Light for the south of France.
With Bordeaux reportedly paying £3.5m for the player back then, Rangers could also strike a free transfer for Josh Maja come the summer with the player’s contract up at the end of the season.
Combine this with Michael Beale’s reputation for developing young English-born players, and it means Rangers also look an attractive option for Josh Maja, who is currently leading the Ligue 2 scoring charts with 11 goals this season.
Using the example of Todd Cantwell, Rangers are an attractive option to reignite a player’s profile in the British game with the opportunity to win silverware, play in front of 50,000 fans and the chance to perform in Europe.
Josh Maja has had failed loan stints with Stoke City and Fulham since moving to France and perhaps Rangers can be the place to help him burst back onto the scene in British football.
Still young, Rangers could make a healthy profit on the player too should things go to plan.
Josh Maja certainly doesn’t appear a bad option for Rangers and whilst we have nothing official regarding any interest, Michael Beale has everyone guessing heading into the summer.
Meanwhile, here’s the latest on Rangers links to Morgan Whittaker.
