Turkish outlet Fanatik reports that Fenerbahce are interested in signing Rangers and Celtic linked starlet Rodrigo Riquelme from Atletico Madrid this summer.
Both Old Firm clubs have been linked with the 19-year-old since he caught the eye in a UEFA Youth League fixture against the Gers back in February [Marca].
His contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, and although there’s major uncertainty around whether or not the football will restart, Riquelme will soon become a free agent unless new terms are agreed.
Fanatik reports that ‘preparations for next season in Fenerbahce continue at full speed’ and that they ‘want to add’ [translated] the teenager as part of an attempt to inject youth into their squad.
It’s been a disappointing campaign to date for the Istanbul-based club, who are currently seventh in the Super Lig table.
Verdict
It was recently reported that Celtic were willing to step up their pursuit of Riquelme with the offer of a lucrative contract [Daily Record via Corriere Dello Sport], but we said at the time it was unlikely that the Gers would only be in competition with their arch-rivals for Riquelme.
The 19-year-old, who is comfortable playing as a no.10 or out wide, was the standout player in the 4-0 defeat of Rangers at Firhill last month and even if he does leave Atletico, it’ll be a very big ask to land him.
Rangers can point to their European progression this season as an incentive, but the Super Lig has a better reputation than the Premiership and Fener already boast Brazil and Germany internationals Luis Gustavo and Max Kruse amongst their ranks.
With public health very much the priority right now, it’s unlikely any concrete decisions will be made on the youngster’s future for some time.
