Rangers used to be able to compete with teams like Man Utd, Barcelona and AC Milan for players when the three giants of European football were at the peak of their powers.
Players like Brian Laudrup, Ronald de Boer and Lorenzo Amoruso all chose Ibrox when they could have played in more exotic surroundings than Brockville or Dens Park, as they were known at the time.
The spending power that Rangers have now pales into insignificance next to the Premier League across the border with Chelsea’s latest move showing just how deep their pockets are amid their reported interest in Jefte.
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Chelsea eye second Brazilian after links for Rangers’ Jefte
According to Globo, the big spending English side are looking to secure the services of a Brazilian left-back with a lot of potential, just not the Rangers No.22:
“Corinthians are in advanced negotiations with Chelsea to sell 16-year- old left-back Denner,” claimed the report.
“A meeting on Wednesday could seal the deal.
“Even if he is sold now, Denner will only be able to play for the English team after he turns 18, in February 2026.
“The transfer is being closed at 12.5 million euros (around R$ 76.3 million), with 8 million euros fixed to Corinthians and another 4.5 million in bonuses if the youngster meets targets.”
Chelsea offer shows how Rangers should value their talent
What Philippe Clement would give to have £10.5m to spend on his squad, never mind on one player.
The Rangers manager would be delighted just to have the £6.5m upfront payment that Chelsea are making for the 16-year old Denner.
As seen with Rory Wilson and Ben Doak, English clubs are hoovering up more youngsters from ever before and work permit regulations make it easier to sign players from Scotland and South America, rather than previously when they used to target mainland Europe.
What this transfer serves as a reminder of, is just how much money Premier League clubs really have and, that if Rangers do see offers for players like Jefte or Hamza Igamane, the starting price for bids should be similar to the money paid for players like Nathan Patterson and Calvin Bassey.
And they would still be a bargain.
